High street retailers such as Poundland, River Island, and M&S are preparing to shutter multiple stores nationwide in the upcoming month. The Centre for Retail Research has forecasted that a significant number of shops, totaling 17,349, may close in 2025, resulting in approximately 201,953 job losses within the retail sector. The closures are attributed to various factors, including surging energy costs, escalating rents, and increased National Insurance contributions, which have placed immense strain on struggling retailers.
The shift towards online shopping has also contributed to a decline in foot traffic in town centers, further impacting brick-and-mortar stores. Notable retailers that are scheduled to close their doors in September 2025 include Poundland, which has been undergoing a series of closures nationwide following its acquisition by investment firm Gordon Brothers. Among the impending closures are the Whitby branch on September 3, the Wealdstone store on September 6, the Pontypool location on September 7, and the Irvine outlet on September 14.
Additionally, The Original Factory Shop is currently undergoing a significant restructuring phase that involves store closures. The discount chain is set to close its Chard store on September 7 and the Market Drayton branch on September 20. Several other locations, including Middlewich, Blairgowrie, Heswall, Kinross, Nairn, Mexborough, and Whitchurch, are also slated for closure later in the year, although specific dates have yet to be confirmed.
Marks and Spencer will be closing its flagship Wolverhampton city center store on Dudley Street on September 27 as part of the company’s broader strategy to focus more on its food-only stores. Moreover, Bonmarché is planning to close its Scarborough branch on September 14 due to the redevelopment of the Brunswick Centre, with efforts underway to secure a new local site.
New Look is also in the process of closing its Scarborough store on September 5, following reports that the company is looking to expedite future store closures upon the expiration of leases, prompted by tax increases announced in the autumn Budget. Similarly, GAME is executing closures of its Gateshead store on September 7, the Bristol branch on September 25, and the Chatham site in Kent before the end of the month as part of a significant restructuring initiative.
Hobbycraft has announced the closure of six stores in September, including locations in Stafford, Wigan, Maidenhead, King’s Lynn, Chichester, and Crayford, as part of a wider plan to reduce costs. River Island has disclosed plans to close its Edinburgh store on September 5, with intentions to shutter an additional 33 shops in January 2026.