One of Britain’s most well-known fashion giants has shut six more stores in the latest blow for the high street.
Fashion chain River Island is set to close a total of 27 stores before the end of the month.
The weekend saw seven stores close for the last time, with stores in Bangor Bloomfield, Cumbernauld, Hartlepool, Kilmarnock, Northwich, St Helen’s all shutting down.
The retailer currently has more than 220 stores in the UK and Ireland and employs 5,500 people.
However, last August the retailer confirmed it was planning to close 33 stores as part of a restructuring plan, that as approved by the High Court.
Along with the closures, River Island is also set to pay reduced rent at a further 71 shops.
It is understood that 122 stores will remain ‘unaffected’ by the restructuring plan.
River Island was founded in 1948 under the Lewis and Chelsea Girl brand before rebranding in the 1980s. It is now headed up by CEO Ben Lewis, the nephew of its founder, who took over his second stint as the head of the family firm in February.
Fashion chain River Island is set to close a total of 27 stores before the end of the month. Pictured: stock image
The weekend saw seven River Island stores close for the last time, with stores in Bangor Bloomfield, Cumbernauld, Hanley, Hartlepool, Kilmarnock, Northwich, St Helen’s all shutting down
He previously held the position for almost a decade before stepping down in 2019.
It is now headed up by CEO Ben Lewis, the nephew of its founder, who took over his second stint as the head of the family firm in February, 2025.
Mr Lewis Lewis said:
‘River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British High Street.
‘However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs.
‘The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.
‘We have a clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability.
‘Recent improvements in our fashion offer and in-store shopping experience are already showing very positive results, but it is only with a restructuring plan that we will be able to see this strategy through and secure River Island’s future as a profitable retail business.
‘We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum.’
The first wave of closures took place last weekend (Sunday, January 18) and continues until the end of the month. Check below to see if your branch is closing.