Poundland, River Island Lead 2025 UK Store Closures

Poundland, acquired for £1 by US investment firm Gordon Brothers, is closing up to 68 UK stores by mid-October 2025 as part of a major restructuring that will also see the closure of some distribution centers. This move is part of a broader wave of retail and restaurant closures on UK high streets, as chains like River Island, Brewdog, Gusto, Papa John’s, and Morrisons face similar pressures from changing consumer habits, inflation, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. River Island is at risk of closing 33 stores and potential insolvency if its restructuring plan is not approved. Estimates suggest over 17,000 UK shops could close in 2025, compared to 13,500 last year. Retailers cite increased operating costs and the rise of online shopping as key challenges. Companies involved are undertaking formal consultations to minimize job losses and support affected employees.