River Island has released the full list of 33 stores set to close as part of a major shake-up that could threaten thousands of jobs.
The struggling fashion chain is pushing ahead with a drastic restructuring plan after suffering a sharp decline in sales.
Executives pointed to rising operating costs and a continued shift in customer habits from High Street shopping to online purchases as key reasons behind the closures.
The family-owned retailer confirmed plans to shut 33 of its 230 stores by January next year.
Branches in towns and cities across the UK, including Derby, Doncaster and Fareham, are set to close, according to retail site Drapers. Other affected locations include Basildon, Edinburgh and Middlesbrough.
In addition to the confirmed closures, a further 71 stores remain at risk, with their future hinging on ongoing negotiations with landlords over reduced rents.
Full list of locations to shut down:
- Beckton
- Bangor Bloomfield
- Wrexham
- Edinburgh Princes Street
- Hereford
- Surrey Quays
- Didcot
- Sutton Coldfield
- Aylesbury
- Burton-Upon-Trent
- Northwich
- Taunton
- Workington
- Falkirk
- Cumbernauld
- Kirkcaldy
- Gloucester
- Hartlepool
- Brighton
- Lisburn
- Norwich
- Oxford
- Poole
- Kilmarnock
- Hanley
- Barnstaple
- Grimsby
- Leeds Birstall Park
- Rochdale
- Great Yarmouth
- St Helens
- Stockton On Tees
- Perth
River Island's owners are drawing up a restructuring plan PA The 33 River Island stores earmarked for closure will continue trading until January 2026.
Ben Lewis said: "River Island is 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.
"The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.
The move to close stores reflects a wider trend in the retail sector
GETTY"We have a clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability.
"Recent improvements in our fashion offer and in-store shopping experience are already showing very positive results, but it is only with a restructuring plan that we will be able to see this strategy through and secure River Island's future as a profitable retail business.
"We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum."
River Island is planning to divide its store portfolio into seven categories based on proposed closures and rent reductions.
Only nine locations are expected to continue paying full rent, while 38 stores could benefit from rent cuts of up to 75 per cent for the next three years.
In a more drastic move, 24 branches may transition to a zero-rent model altogether.
River Island employs approximately 5,500 people across the UK
GETTYRiver Island employs approximately 5,500 people across the UK, though it has yet to confirm how many roles could be affected by the planned store closures.
The company recently brought in advisers from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to help identify cost-cutting measures following a disappointing financial year.
Latest accounts for River Island Clothing Co, covering the year to December 30, 2023, revealed a pre-tax loss of £33.2 million.
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