The UK high street has already taken a significant hit in 2025, with retailers including Marks & Spencer (M&S), WHSmith, Morrisons, Bodycare, New Look and BrewDog shutting down stores.
There are more closures scheduled for October, with another four retailers set to close shops for the final time next month.
UK high street shops that no longer exist
High street retailers closing stores in October
Poundland
Poundland revealed in June, following its takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, that it planned to shut 68 shops and two warehouses in the UK, putting 1300 jobs at risk.
Under Poundland’s restructuring plan, 57 stores have already had their closure dates confirmed, with the final six due to shut on September 28.
The remaining 11 closures (out of the 68 originally identified) have now been put on hold.
Poundland also indicated it will shut more UK stores over the coming years.
There are currently around 800 Poundland stores across the UK and Ireland, but this is expected to drop to around 650 or 700 following the overhaul.
Poundland revealed in June that it planned to shut 68 shops and two warehouses in the UK, putting 1,300 jobs at risk.(Image: PA)
Poundland’s managing director, Barry Williams, said: “We’re determined to deliver a simpler, more focused Poundland that keeps its promise of amazing value to customers.
“We appreciate the support we’ve had from suppliers, landlords and other partners who’ve now all been fully briefed on our plans to get us back on track.
“While there is much work to do, I’m confident that a Poundland focused on the simple value our customers expect, has a bright future.”
Five more Poundland stores are scheduled to close in October:
- Liscard (October 1)
- Lowestoft (October 10)
- Livingston (October 12)
- Tenby (October 18)
- Inverness (October 12)
These closures are not part of the restructuring plan.
Sports Direct
Sports Direct is set to close its store in Rhyl, North Wales, next month.
The shop, located in Rhyl’s White Rose Shopping Centre, opened back in 2020.
Residents were made aware of the closure earlier this year when a sign appeared on the front doors that read: “Closing down, all stock reduced.”
An exact date for the closure of the Sports Direct shop is yet to be revealed.
Trespass
Trespass is another retailer set to close one of its UK stores in October.
The outdoor retail chain is scheduled to close its branch in Watford on October 31.
The shop is located within the Harlequin Watford shopping centre.
The Original Factory Shop
The Original Factory Shop in Inverness (42 Academy Street – IV1 1JT) will also be shutting for good in October.
Announcing the closure earlier this year on Facebook, the Original Factory Shop (Inverness) said: “We would like to take this time to thank all of our customers at Inverness store. We have loved serving you and being part of the community for nearly the last 2 years.
“We hope you will pop in to see us before we close.”
The store continued: “Please can we ask that you be respectful to staff as we are all devastated that our store is closing.”
More high street stores set to close
The UK could be hit by more store closures by the end of the year.
River Island recently announced a restructuring plan, which is set to include the closure of 35 stores in the UK before January 2026.
The restructuring plan is aimed at preventing River Island from collapsing into administration.
Along with the store closures, the retailer will also pay reduced rent at a further 71 shops.
Starbucks has also revealed plans for proposed store closures in the UK, putting jobs at risk.
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It is yet to reveal how many stores and employees will be affected, or the locations of the sites it plans to close.
But a consultation on the matter is underway, having launched on Thursday (September 25).
There are currently 520 company-owned stores in the UK, as well as several franchise-owned coffee shops.
It is understood that more than 5,600 people work for Starbucks across the UK.
