A retail chain that has been a fixture of UK high streets for decades is set to shut 35 stores in the coming months, with the closure of one branch just days away. River Island previously announced more than 30 branches would be pulling down the shutters for good as part of a restructuring plan approved by the High Court.
The fashion retailer has come under increasing fincial pressure in recent years, with its most recent accounts revealing a £33.2m full-year loss after sales dropped by 19%, as reported by BBC News. As part of the plans, the company is also negotiating rent reductions at 71 branches.
River Island previously said 33 stores would be closing in January, and has since added its store in Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth, London, to the closures scheduled for the start of next year, as per The Sun.
Ahead of that, a branch in Omagh, Northern Ireland, is set to close on Monday, September 22, with an “everything must go” sale leading up the closure. Staff at the store shared a message to locals on social media thanking them for their support.
“Our landlord and River Island unfortunately couldn’t agree on the terms of a new lease,” the post read. “So unfortunately the landlord has asked River Island to vacate the building.
“As you can imagine the team are totally gutted especially at such a short turnaround. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful customers who have shopped with us for years! We know you will be sad to see us leave as well.”
River Island has been approached for comment via email.
The fashion giant has 207 stores in the UK as of March 28, 2025, according to the ScrapeHero.
Commenting on the round of closures that had been revealed up until that point in June, CEO Ben Lewis said: “River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street.
“However the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs. The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.
He added that the chain has a “clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability”.
“Recent improvements in our fashion offer and in-store shopping experience are already showing very positive results, but it is only with a restructuring plan that we will be able to see this strategy through and secure River Island’s future as a profitable retail business.
“We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum.”