High street retailers such as Poundland, River Island, and M&S are preparing to shut down multiple stores in the UK during this month. The Centre for Retail Research has forecasted a potential closure of 17,349 shops by the year 2025, leading to approximately 201,953 job losses in the retail sector. Factors like rising energy bills, escalating rents, and increased National Insurance contributions are cited as key reasons for the struggles faced by many retailers.
The shift towards online shopping has also contributed to a decline in foot traffic in town centers, exacerbating the challenges for brick-and-mortar stores. Notable retailers closing their doors in September 2025 include Poundland, which has been undergoing a series of store closures nationwide following its acquisition by investment firm Gordon Brothers.
The upcoming closures for Poundland include its Whitby branch on September 3, Wealdstone on September 6, Pontypool on September 7, and Irvine on September 14. The Original Factory Shop is also undergoing a significant restructuring that involves closing several stores. Locations like Chard and Market Drayton are set to cease operations in September, with additional closures in Middlewich, Blairgowrie, Heswall, Kinross, Nairn, Mexborough, and Whitchurch later in the year, though specific dates are yet to be confirmed.
Marks and Spencer will be closing its flagship store in Wolverhampton city center on Dudley Street on September 27 as part of its strategic shift towards focusing more on food-only stores. Bonmarché is scheduled to shut its Scarborough branch on September 14 due to redevelopment at the Brunswick Centre, while New Look plans to close its Scarborough store on September 5 following tax increases announced in the recent Budget.
Gaming retailer GAME is undergoing a significant restructuring, resulting in the closure of its Gateshead store on September 7, Bristol branch on September 25, and Chatham site in Kent by the end of the month. Hobbycraft has also announced store closures in September, including locations in Stafford, Wigan, Maidenhead, King’s Lynn, Chichester, and Crayford, as part of its cost-cutting measures.
River Island has revealed plans to close its Edinburgh store on September 5, along with intentions to shut down an additional 33 stores in January 2026. These closures come amidst a challenging retail landscape influenced by various economic factors and the evolving preferences of consumers.