Popular high street stores such as Poundland, River Island and Marks & Spencer are gearing up to close stores across the UK this month. The spike in energy bills, rising rents, and increased National Insurance contributions are among the factors to blame for the growing number of retailers facing hardship.
An increase in online shopping is also contributing to reduced foot traffic in town centres. The Centre for Retail Research has forecast that a staggering 17,349 shops could shut their doors this year, leading to an estimated 201,953 retail job losses. This month alone, more than a dozen of stores are to say goodbye to their clients. Here’s a rundown of all the major retailers that are shutting up shop in September 2025.
Poundland
After being purchased for £1 by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland has been closing a raft of stores nationwide, reports the Mirror.
The next round of closures will see its Whitby branch shut on September 3, Wealdstone will close its doors on September 6, its Pontypool shop will cease trading on September 7 and its Irvine store will close doors on September 14.
The Original Factory Shop
The Original Factory Shop is undergoing a significant restructure, which includes shuttering stores.
The discount chain will close its Chard store on September 7 and Market Drayton on September 20.
Other locations, including Middlewich, Blairgowrie, Heswall, Kinross, Nairn, Mexborough, and Whitchurch, are slated to close later this year, although exact dates have yet to be confirmed.
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer has confirmed the closing of its flagship store on Dudley Street in Wolverhampton city centre, scheduled for September 27.
This closure forms part of a wider strategic plan revealed by M&S in 2022 to focus more heavily on its food-only branches.
Bonmarché
Bonmarché is gearing up to close its Scarborough outlet on September 14 owing to redevelopment activities at the Brunswick Centre.
The fashion chain is currently hunting for alternative local premises.
New Look
New Look is preparing to shutter its Scarborough branch on September 5.
Earlier this year, The Times reported that New Look intended to “accelerate future store closures” when leases expire, following tax increases announced in the autumn Budget.
GAME
GAME is set to shut its Gateshead outlet on September 7, its Bristol store on September 25, and its Chatham branch in Kent before the end of the month. The gaming chain is presently experiencing major restructuring.
Hobbycraft
Hobbycraft has disclosed intentions to shutter six outlets in September, encompassing locations in Stafford, Wigan, Maidenhead, King’s Lynn, Chichester, and Crayford.
This move also represents part of a broader cost-reduction restructuring initiative.
River Island
River Island has confirmed it will be shuttering its Edinburgh outlet on September 5.
The fashion chain has additionally revealed intentions to close another 33 shops, with these closures planned for January 2026.
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