Major high street retailer to close ALL stores next week - full list here

Patrick O'Donnell
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:05:17 +0000

A major high street retailer is preparing to close all of its stores after nearly 36 years of doing business in another blow to the UK economy.

Fashion retailer LK Bennett will permanently shut all its remaining UK locations within five days, with nine stores and 13 concessionaries to cease opearting.

Shoppers have until early next week to visit the stores before they close for good, with the company's online shop already having stopped trading.

At its height, the retailer known for designer footwear, clothing and accessories operated 130 outlets worldwide and was stocked in prestigious department stores such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

The brand entered administration in 2019, and has changed hands multiple times since then.

Most recently, Gordon Brothers, the owners of Poundland, purchased LK Bennett in January this year, though the acquisition did not include the company's physical retail presence.

Following this acquisition, this left nine standalone shops and 13 concessions without a buyer.

In an Instagram post yesterday, the retailer urged customers to take advantage of final discounts: "Only 6 days remain before our stores close. Visit us exclusively in-store to enjoy up to 80 per cent off across all collections. Once it's gone, it's gone don't miss your final chance to shop."

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Years of mounting financial strain ultimately proved insurmountable for the heritage brand, with declining sales compounding the pressure.

Retailers across the sector have grappled with escalating energy bills, increased wage costs, higher business rates, and pricier imports.

Many established names with extensive physical store networks face substantial fixed overheads that become untenable when consumer spending contracts.

Insolvency specialist Molly Monks F.I.P.A of Parker Walsh said the difficulties facing such brands are deep-rooted rather than sudden.

She explained: "Many established brands were already operating on tight margins before recent economic shocks. Rising costs, legacy debt and reduced discretionary spending have created conditions where even well-known names can become vulnerable."

Here is a full list of the LK Bennet stores set to close:

Bluewater shopping centre

Canary Wharf

Chester

Duke of York Square, Chelsea

Harrogate

Knightsbridge

New Bond Street

Richmond

Westfield White City

Here is a full list of the LK Bennett concessionaries set to close:

Arnotts, Dublin

Bentalls shopping centre, Kingston

Brown Thomas, Dublin

De Gruchy, Jersey

Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells

Hoopers, Wimslow

Jarrolds, Norwich

John Lewis, Edinburgh

John Lewis, High Wycombe

John Lewis, Oxford Street, London

John Lewis, Manchester

John Lewis, Oxford

John Lewis, Cheadle