Five major high street shops confirm closures in 2026 — shoppers left ‘gutted’

February 14, 2026 3,205

Closed Down Empty Shop

Five major high street shops confirm closures in 2026 – shoppers left ‘genuinely gutted’ (Image: Getty)

The UK’s high streets have had a rough few years. With shoppers going online more and more, several household name brands fell into administration, leading many stores to close their doors. In 2024, more than 13,000 high street shops shut down, as reported by the Centre for Retail Research. While official statistics for 2025 are not available yet, it is believed that the number of store closures was even higher that year.

Unfortunately, Britain’s high streets are bracing for a tough year ahead, as more store closures are already scheduled for 2026. Here are the five major retailers confirmed to be closing branches in 2026.

Poundland on Princes Street

An additional 32 Poundland stores are set to close in the early months of 2026 (Image: Getty)

1. Poundland

Poundland has already shut down numerous stores across the country as part of its restructuring efforts, and an additional 32 stores are set to close in the early months of 2026, which will raise the total closures to 100.

The cherished discount shop was sold for just £1 last year by the investment firm Gordon Brothers, which previously owned Laura Ashley.

Branches that are affected are currently holding clearance sales, offering discounts of as much as 40%.

Full list of Poundland stores set to close in 2026

Lancaster, Lancashire
Northampton Sixfields, Northamptonshire
Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Hammersmith, Greater London
Prestatyn, Denbighshire
Faversham, Kent
Liverpool, Merseyside
Yeovil, Somerset
Nottingham Eastpoint, Nottinghamshire
Lymington, Hampshire
Christchurch (47 High Street), Dorset
Bristol Avon Meads, Bristol
Winton, Dorset
Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Christchurch (Meteor Retail Park), Dorset
Arnold, Nottinghamshire
Worthing, West Sussex
Droitwich, Worcestershire
Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Oldham, Greater Manchester
Weston Favell, Northamptonshire
Portishead, Somerset
Grantham, Lincolnshire
Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Farnham, Surrey
Brighton, East Sussex
Hempstead Valley, Kent
Bexhill, East Sussex
Ponders End, Greater London
Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Mitcham, Greater London
Cameron Toll, Edinburgh, Scotland

2. Schuh

Adored footwear retailer Schuh within The Broadway Shopping Centre in Bradford has officially closed its doors. A representative from The Broadway confirmed the closure and highlighted that new retailers will be announced soon.

Schuh opened its first outlet in Edinburgh in 1981 and currently operates more than 120 stores in the UK and Ireland.

A spokeswoman for Schuh said: “The UK retail sector is undergoing rapid transformation, shaped by shifting consumer behaviours and in response, Schuh is evolving to strengthen its position for the future.

“Schuh is making strategic decisions to adapt, including the necessary closure of several underperforming stores, among them our Bradford store in The Broadway Shopping Centre.”

3. House of Fraser

Closing down signs have appeared in the windows of its Plymouth branch, indicating trading will cease in March 2026, leaving the iconic department store with just 11 branches across the UK

The store was due to close in 2018 after House of Fraser fell into administration; however, it was saved when Sports Direct saved the chain for £90million.

Devastated shoppers have taken to social media to express their sadness, with one customer writing: “There goes the only decent department stores we had left and one of the best baby changing stations! Genuinely gutted.”

A second added: “So many happy memories from my childhood and teenage years in this store – would come here with my much-loved family who are all now gone – sad times.”

The entrance to River Island clothes shop in Southgate St

River Island confirmed closing 32 of its stores last month (Image: Getty)

4. River Island

River Island confirmed closing 32 of its stores last month. This decision is part of a restructuring strategy aimed at tackling persistent financial losses, as the clothing retailer has reported a £33.2million dip in 2023 after experiencing a 19% decline in sales.

The reason for closures is due to the costs of maintaining the stores and the rise of online shopping.

River Island has more than 200 locations across the UK, employing approximately 5,500 people, and many of these positions are now at risk.

Full list of River Island stores set to close in 2026