In yet another significant blow to the UK high street, the major retailer River Island will close 18 more stores by the end of this month. As part of a major restructuring, the chain had already closed nine stores on January 18, and another six will close permanently this weekend (yesterday, Saturday, January 24) and another on Monday. This will be closely followed by another 12 closures on January 31.

In a similar tale to many high street chains, the closures have been attributed to changing customer habits and high running costs. River Island’s CEO, Ben Lewis, said that while the fashion brand is “much loved” in the UK, a “large portfolio of stores no longer aligned to our customers’ needs”. Last year was a rough for the retailer. In August, River Island narrowly avoided administration by securing a restructuring plan to address a £124.3 million pre-tax loss and severe cash shortages. 

The plan included closing 33 UK stores, reducing rents at 71 locations, and, aided by £40 million in funding, aims to improve profitability through 2028. 

The company faced a projected £43 million cash shortfall by September 2025, driven by high energy costs, inflation and intense competition from fast-fashion rivals such as Shein. Moving forward, the retailer is focusing on a smaller, more profitable store estate and a greater online presence to tackle declining high street footfall.

Mr Lewis said: “We have a clear transformation strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the business, and this decision gives us a strong platform to deliver this. Recent improvements in our fashion offer and shopping experience are starting to show results, and the restructuring plan will enable us to align our store estate to our customers’ needs.

“We are grateful to our suppliers, landlords and other stakeholders for their constructive engagement and shared confidence in River Island’s future.”

When closures were first announced last year, around 110 of the some 950 roles at River Island’s head office were reportedly made redundant, saving an estimated £8.1 million. Several River Island branches have already closed. Brighton, Edinburgh, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees shut their doors at the end of last year.