River Island and Primark are among the major retailers that have confirmed store closures in January 2026. The Centre for Retail Research reported that last year 54 retailers collapsed, leading to the closure of 3,080 stores and the loss of 30,153 jobs. The Office for National Statistics data revealed a 0.1% decline in retail sales volumes for November.
River Island is set to shut down at least 27 stores this month as part of a significant restructuring plan that previously announced the closure of 33 stores. Several branches, including those in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, were closed in late 2025. Additional closures in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria are pending confirmation.
Poundland will close 12 shops in January following a High Court-approved restructuring. The discount retailer had already closed 57 stores by September last year after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for a nominal fee.
Primark closed its Dartford store on January 3 due to the urgent need for building repairs, marking its first closure in over a decade. Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, stated that the decision was influenced by the extensive repair works required, making the location unviable. Efforts are being made to relocate more than half of the affected employees to nearby stores.
Lloyds Banking Group, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, will shut down a total of 34 bank branches this month. The closures are attributed to the increasing trend of online banking, according to Lloyds. This includes 17 Lloyds branches, eight Halifax sites, and nine Bank of Scotland branches.
