Store closures: Poundland, WHSmith, Morrisons and more to shut 7 shops

The retail landscape has changed significantly in recent years, and it’s easy to see across UK high streets. Major brands have replaced many independent shops and local landmarks. However, some chains have struggled to face the challenges of online shopping and changing consumer habits.

According to recent data from the Centre for Retail Research, seven “failing businesses,” including Homebase, Beales, Select Fashion, and Quiz Clothing, have contributed to 206 store closures. In May, several branches owned by big-name retailers will close for good: Sainsbury’s cafes, Morrisons, Poundland, and WHSmith, among others.

Poundland

Four stores owned by Poundland will shut down in May, including one in a central London travel hub. 

The site at Clapham Junction Railway Station will be the first to cease trading, closing for good on Friday, May 2. The shop’s closing sign read: “We’re closing May 2. Don’t worry, we have another great store in the Southside Shopping Centre near Specsavers.”

A Poundland spokesperson acknowledged “how disappointing” the Clapham Junction store closure would be for shoppers, pointing them toward a nearby store at the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth.”

Three more sites will follow suit: Belle Valle, Liverpool, Brackla, Wales, and Gravesend, Kent. 

Pepco, the parent company of Poundland, told The Sun that it will close a branch in the Belle Valle shopping centre in Liverpool on May 6.

• Clapham Junction Railway Station – closing, May 2
• Belle Valle, Liverpool – closing May 6
• Brackla, Wales – May 24
• St George’s Centre in Gravesend, Kent – closing date to be confirmed

WHSmith

The stationery giant is shutting 17 stores this year and could sell all 500 high-street shops in the UK. However, a sizeable expansion is also on the cards.

While the retailer will continue to stock various books, stationery, snacks, and travel items in some stores, a few high-street sites will be axed in May.

Exact dates are yet to be determined for those earmarked to close, including WHSmith on Wellington Street and the Stockton-on-Tees branch. It marks a sad loss for shoppers and the local community who use the in-store Post Office.

• Stockton, County Durham (May)
• Oldham, Greater Manchester (May)
• Orpington, Greater London (no specified date)

Morrisons

Morrisons has closed 17 Morrisons Daily convenience stores and 52 in-store cafes across the UK as part of a broader restructuring plan. Market Kitchens, florists, meat counters, fish counters, and pharmacies will also close permanently.

Rami Baitiéh, Morrisons’ Chief Executive, said: “The changes… are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers value and that can play a full part in our growth.”

Most stores earmarked for closure shut their doors on Wednesday, April 16, but the Haxby branch in Yorkshire will close on Monday, May 14.