River Island has confirmed the permanent closure of 11 stores across the United Kingdom today, marking a significant moment in the ongoing transformation of the British high street. The fashion retailer is implementing a major restructuring strategy that will see its store portfolio dramatically reduced from 250 branches to just 122.
A Strategic Shift for a High Street Icon
The closures, which took effect on January 31, 2026, represent a decisive move by the company to adapt to changing consumer habits and economic pressures. Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island, addressed the difficult decision, stating the brand remains a much-loved retailer with a decades-long history on the British high street.
"However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers' needs," Lewis explained. "The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden. We have a clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability."
The Complete List of Closures
The 11 River Island branches that closed their doors for the final time today are located in the following towns and cities:
- Barnstaple
- Beckton
- Didcot
- Falkirk
- Gloucester
- Grimsby
- Hereford
- Kirkcaldy
- Oxford
- Poole
- Rochdale
The Sutton Coldfield location was among the first to cease trading. The company has expressed regret over any resulting job losses and has committed to trying to keep these to a minimum.
Future Focus and Wider High Street Context
Lewis emphasised that recent improvements to River Island's fashion offerings and in-store shopping experience are yielding positive results. However, he stressed that the restructuring plan is essential to fully realise the company's strategy and secure its future as a profitable retail business.
This move by River Island is part of a broader trend affecting the UK retail sector. Other major high street names have also confirmed or carried out significant store closures in recent times.
Other Retailers Making Cuts
Primark began 2026 by closing its Dartford store in the Orchard Shopping Centre, believed to be its first closure in approximately a decade. Furthermore, Primark cafés, which operate in selected stores, are closing at four specific sites: Glasgow Braehead, Edinburgh Princes Street, Birmingham High Street, and Belfast Royal Avenue. The company has stated that no Primark employees are expected to be impacted by these café closures.
Poundland is also undergoing a wave of closures. Nine further locations are scheduled to shut before the end of March 2026. The Bristol Avon Meads store closed on January 29, with a series of subsequent closures planned throughout February in locations including Winton, Chichester, Coatbridge, Feltham, Crayford, Chilwell, and Urmston.
The collective action by these retailers underscores the profound challenges facing brick-and-mortar stores, driven by the relentless shift to online shopping and escalating operational costs. River Island's restructuring represents a pivotal attempt to navigate these headwinds and preserve its presence on the British high street for years to come.
