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UK High Street Faces Wave of Store Closures in 2025

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. street-faces-wave-of-store-closures-in-2025.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 22:06 GMT by The Irish News
      Locales: Northern Ireland, England, UNITED KINGDOM

High Street Heartbreak: Which Major Brands Are Expected to Close Stores in 2025?

The UK high street is facing another wave of closures in 2025, according to recent reports and analysis. While online shopping continues its relentless rise and economic pressures mount on consumers, several prominent retail brands are poised to significantly reduce their physical presence. The Irish News article, “Which High Street Brands Closed Stores in 2025?” paints a concerning picture of potential vacancies and shifting consumer habits, impacting towns and cities across the nation. This isn’t just about individual store closures; it represents a broader structural shift within the retail landscape with significant implications for employment and local economies.

The Big Names Under Pressure:

The article highlights several key brands announcing or strongly hinting at widespread store closures. Leading the list is Marks & Spencer (M&S). While M&S has been actively restructuring, focusing on its food division and online presence, they've also acknowledged a need to reduce their overall store count. Plans announced in 2023 aimed to close around 27 stores over two years, but the ongoing economic climate may accelerate this process. The article suggests that further closures are likely in 2025, particularly targeting larger, less profitable locations. M&S's strategy involves shrinking their overall footprint while investing in more compact, digitally integrated stores and expanding their online operations – a trend seen across much of the retail sector.

Next on the list is Boots. The pharmacy giant, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance, has already undertaken significant store closures as part of a cost-cutting program. The article points to plans announced in early 2024 to close around 30 stores throughout the year. While specific numbers for 2025 aren’t explicitly stated in the Irish News piece, it acknowledges that further rationalization is anticipated, especially targeting smaller, less busy locations and those overlapping with other Boots stores. Boots' struggles are compounded by challenges within the healthcare sector, including pressure on NHS funding and changing patient behavior.

Debenhams, despite its revival under Frasers Group (formerly Sports Direct), remains vulnerable. The brand has been operating as a primarily online retailer and through concessions in department stores like Next, but their own standalone stores have dwindled significantly since its collapse into administration in 2019. While some flagship locations remain open, the article suggests that more closures are possible, particularly if the online business doesn't meet expectations or Frasers Group decides to further consolidate its retail portfolio. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Debenhams highlights the precarious position of brands attempting to rebuild after significant financial difficulties.

Next, while generally performing better than many competitors, isn’t immune to the pressures facing the high street. The article notes that Next has been strategically closing underperforming stores, opting for smaller formats and a greater focus on online sales. While not announcing specific closure numbers for 2025, industry analysts believe further rationalization is likely, particularly in areas where Next already has multiple locations.

Other Notable Brands Facing Challenges:

The article also mentions several other brands facing potential closures:

• WHSmith: The newsagent chain continues to struggle with the decline in magazine and newspaper sales, leading to store closures and a shift towards more convenience-focused offerings.
• Card Factory: Facing increased competition from online retailers and changing consumer preferences for greeting cards, Card Factory has announced plans for store closures as part of a restructuring program.
• Wilko: Although acquired by The Range in 2023, the integration process is complex, and some stores are likely to close as The Range streamlines operations. The Irish News article highlights that many locations were already struggling under Wilko’s ownership.

Driving Forces Behind the Closures:

Several factors are contributing to this wave of potential closures:

• Online Shopping: The continued shift towards online retail is a primary driver, with consumers increasingly preferring the convenience and often lower prices offered by e-commerce platforms.
• Cost of Living Crisis: Rising inflation and stagnant wages have squeezed household budgets, leading to reduced discretionary spending on non-essential items purchased in physical stores.
• High Business Rates: The UK's business rates system remains a significant burden for high street retailers, particularly those with large store footprints. While some temporary relief measures have been introduced, they haven’t fully addressed the issue.
• Changing Consumer Habits: Consumers are increasingly seeking experiences rather than just products, leading to a decline in footfall on traditional high streets.
• The rise of fast fashion and discount retailers: These businesses put pressure on established brands with higher overheads.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the High Street

The potential closures outlined in the Irish News article underscore the ongoing challenges facing the UK’s high street. While some areas are adapting by focusing on local businesses, leisure activities, and community spaces, many towns and cities face a difficult future with potentially empty storefronts. The success of these brands will likely depend on their ability to adapt to changing consumer behavior, embrace digital technologies, and create compelling in-store experiences that justify the cost of maintaining physical locations. The article suggests that 2025 will be another pivotal year for the UK high street, with further consolidation and restructuring expected as retailers navigate a challenging economic landscape. The future of our town centres hinges on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts between businesses, local authorities, and communities.

I hope this provides a thorough summary of the article’s content. Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspects or brands mentioned?