Major Retail Chains Plan 17,000+ UK Store Closures, 200,000 Jobs at Risk

The retail sector is facing significant upheaval in 2025, with thousands of store closures and associated job losses anticipated across the UK and the US. In the UK, more than 17,000 store closures could put up to 202,000 jobs at risk, with major chains like Poundland, New Look, and Marks & Spencer closing multiple locations due to underperformance and strategic shifts towards online sales. Similarly, in the US, Rite Aid continues its bankruptcy-driven shutdown, announcing closures of seven additional stores beyond the 1,275 already slated to close, signaling the end of all Rite Aid stores. Meanwhile, Stop & Shop is closing seven of its e-commerce fulfillment centers to streamline operations and focus on in-store order processing, promising no disruption to online services. Local business closures are also notable in Lawrence, Kansas, where longstanding stores including Winfield House and Einstein Bros. Bagels have shut down amid changing market conditions. These developments reflect broader challenges facing brick-and-mortar retailers as they adapt to evolving consumer habits and economic pressures.