Poundland, Sports Direct, and more among stores closing in October

October 8, 2025 3,857

A host of high street shops are set to shut their doors for good across the UK throughout October. Familiar high street names such as Poundland, Sports Direct, and Trespass have confirmed they will be closing a number of stores during the autumn month.

This follows forecasts from the Centre for Retail Research that suggest more than 17,000 shops could shut down by 2025. In total, this could result in as many as 201,953 job losses. Many retailers are grappling with rising costs due to increased energy bills, rent, National Insurance contributions, and wages, reports Devon Live.

Additionally, a surge in online shopping trends has led to decreased footfall in town centres.

Here’s a rundown of all the major retailers shutting up shop throughout October 2025….

Halifax

Halifax is preparing to close several branches in key locations across the country, including Liverpool and Blackpool.

While most of the significant closures are scheduled for January 2026, the bank has confirmed it will shut its Camborne, Cornwall branch on 7 October.

Poundland

Following its takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland has been shuttering numerous stores nationwide.

The next wave of closures will see several stores shut down across the country, with long-term plans aiming to reduce nationwide locations to between 650 and 700.

Poundland’s managing director, Barry Williams, stated: “We’re determined to deliver a simpler, more focused Poundland that keeps its promise of amazing value to customers.

“We appreciate the support we’ve had from suppliers, landlords and other partners who’ve now all been fully briefed on our plans to get us back on track.

“While there is much work to do, I’m confident that a Poundland focused on the simple value our customers expect, has a bright future.”

Poundland has revealed that major clearance sales have kicked off, or will soon begin, at 18 branches as part of what it describes as its restructuring and recovery plan aimed at restoring the business to growth.

The retailer says shoppers will be able to snap up substantial savings as these stores gear up for closure in the coming days.

The company says discounts of up to 40 per cent will see products slashed in price until they’re sold and will include all the stock in each store from homewares to groceries and clothing to health and beauty.

The closing sales will be available at the following stores – the planned closure date is also included:

Twickenham 18-22 King Street, Twickenham, TW1 3SN – 5 Oct 2025
Westhoughton 7-8 Pavillion Square, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3AG – 5 Oct 2025
Market Harborough Unit 10, The Commons, Market Harborough, LE16 7QL – 9 Oct 2025
Porthcawl 78/80 John Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3BD – 10 Oct 2025
Lowestoft 9 The Britten Centre, Lowestoft, NR32 1LR – 10 Oct 2025
Colne Unit B, Boundary Retail Park, Corporation Street, Colne, BB8 8LB – 11 Oct 2025
Musselburgh 176B The High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 7DZ – 12 Oct 2025
Livingston Unit 43F, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB – 12 Oct 2025
Rochdale 22/24 Market Way, Exchange Shopping Centre, Rochdale, OL16 1EB – 13 Oct 2025
Leicester 24 Belgrave Gate, Leicester, LE1 3GP – 17 Oct 2025
Tenby Former Gatehouse Cinema, White Lion Street, Tenby, SA70 7AZ – 18 Oct 2025
Walsall Unit 8, St Matthews Quarter, George Street, Walsall, WS1 1PU – 29 Oct 2025
Matlock Unit 2-4, Bank Road, Matlock, DE4 3AQ – 2 Nov 2025
Carlisle Unit 5b, St Nicholas Gate Retail Park, London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2EA – 9 Nov 2025
Burnley Unit A, Princess Way Retail Park, Burnley, BB12 0EQ – 9 Nov 2025
Witham 35 Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2AF – 12 Nov 2025
Peckham Units 5-13, Aylesham Centre, Peckham, SE15 5EW – 20 Nov 2025
Launceston Unit 6, Launceston Retail Park, Hurdon Road, Launceston, PL15 9DJ – 29 Nov 2025

The Original Factory Shop

The Original Factory Shop is poised to shut a couple of stores in both England and Wales, with sales at these sites already ongoing.

A number of stores are already shut in September across the UK, with some items going up for sale at a 75% discount. The Wetherby, West Yorkshire branch will close its doors on October 11, followed by the Inverness, Scotland branch on October 12.

The chain has also announced plans to shut down branches in Otley, West Yorkshire; Spalding, East Midlands; and Horley, Surrey, although no dates have been confirmed for these closures.

Sports Direct

Sports Direct has revealed plans to shutter its Rhyl, North Wales store in October, despite it only opening last year. However, the retail behemoth has yet to disclose an exact closure date.

Trespass

Outdoor clothing retailer Trespass is set to close its Watford, Harlequin Shopping Centre branch on October 31, following a major sale to clear out stock. At present, Trespass operates 300 stores nationwide.

NatWest

NatWest has announced plans to close 20 branches throughout October, reflecting a broader national trend of bank closures. This follows the bank’s revelation that over 80% of its current account holders now access their services via online banking.

In a statement, NatWest said: “Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank. Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously. We know it can affect those who are less confident with the alternatives we offer.

“We’ll always work hard to guide and support you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on.”

Natwest will be shutting down the following branches in October: