The strain on high-street retailers in the UK shows no signs of abating in 2025. Provisional figures from the Centre for Retail Research reveal that nearly 13,500 retail stores have permanently shut their doors over the past year, marking a 28 percent increase from 2023.
Although these losses are lower than those recorded annually between 2019 and 2022, data indicates that the UK saw an average of 37 shops close each day last year. Already in 2025, eight stores owned by major chain retailers have ceased trading, including a Greggs bakery in Coventry, Matalan in Chester, and two Iceland supermarkets in Exeter and Borehamwood.
January 4 was the busiest day for store closures this year, with five stores closing their doors for good. Four more are set to leave the high street this week, dealing another blow to UK shoppers.
WHSmith, the stationery giant, is preparing to say goodbye to another store in Bournemouth this weekend. On Saturday, January 18, the branch on Old Christchurch Road will close permanently.
This comes as a devastating blow to locals in Bournemouth, who recently lost the WHSmith branch in Boscombe, which closed for good in June 2024, reports the Express.
Since March 2023, WHSmith has waved goodbye to locations in Manchester and Somerset. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the retail chiefs have confirmed plans to open 15 new sites in 2026.
Instead of occupying high street units, the new WHSmith locations will be strategically placed in travel hubs such as airports and train stations. In a fresh approach for the brand, some locations will even offer hot food and coffee, a step up from its current meal deal offering.
Among the four retailers shutting down shops this week is Monki, a fashion chain owned by H&M. The brand enjoys a significant online presence with its website and lines sold on ASOS, but its high street footprint is shrinking.
The fashion label revealed plans to shut two locations in January 2025. One shop, situated at the Intu shopping centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne, closed its doors on January 2.
Another in Manchester’s Arndale Centre will stop trading on Friday, January 17. Parent company H&M intends to close seven Monki stores as it merges the brand with fashionable chain Weekday.
It’s been nearly a year since The Body Shop went into administration, leading to 800 staff members losing their jobs. Since then, Aurea Group has saved hundreds of the skincare and beauty retailer’s locations, with many expected to stay open for the foreseeable future.
The retail landscape has seen significant changes, with the Body Shop announcing the closure of two stores this January. The Sheffield Orchard Square location will shut its doors on Wednesday, January 15, after three decades of serving customers in the city.
Additionally, a Norwich store on Castle Street is set to close, marking the end of an impressive 44-year history.
In the coffee sector, Starbucks, known for its extensive UK presence, has scaled back its operations. The Dumfries High Street branch ceased trading yesterday, Sunday, January 12, and another outlet at Cineworld, Sixfields Leisure, is slated to close on Sunday, January 19, following the cinema chain’s decision to shutter several locations.
A spokesperson expressed gratitude to patrons, saying: “We thank our customers for their loyalty over the years and invite them to find their nearest stores in Northampton, Market Square and St James Retail Park.”
Which shops have closed in 2025?
- Monki, Newcastle, January 2
- Greggs, Coventry, January 4
- Matalan, Chester, January 4
- The Entertainer, Edinburgh, January 4
- Iceland, Exeter, January 4
- Iceland, Borehamwood, January 4
- Deichmann, Newport, January 11
- Starbucks, Dumfries High Street, January 12