The British high street is undergoing an unprecedented and painful transformation. A new report from the Centre for Retail Research paints a stark picture, revealing that over 2,205 stores have closed their doors for good in 2025 alone, with thousands of jobs lost as a result. While the rise of online shopping is often blamed, experts say the crisis runs much deeper. “The decline of our high streets is not just about the odd shop shutting down,” says Joshua Bamfield, director of the Centre for Retail Research. “The problems of changed customer shopping habits, inflation, rising energy costs, rents and business rates have continued and forced many retailers to cut back even more strongly.” This has forced once-thriving chains to scale back or, in some cases, disappear entirely, leaving behind familiar, empty storefronts.
This grim reality is hitting close to home for some of the UK’s most cherished brands. Bodycare has already entered administration, closing dozens of its stores. Claire’s Accessories is also fighting for its future after filing for administration, while even discount giants like Poundland have been forced into a major restructuring, with dozens of stores on the chopping block. The future of these and other beloved high street names hangs in the balance as they contend with a retail landscape that’s shifted dramatically.
Ted Baker
The fashion retailer’s UK and European stores were forced to call in administrators in March 2024, and all remaining shops subsequently closed. Those included sites in London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports, which ceased trading by August 2024.
Ted Baker items are available at various department stores and online marketplaces, including Next, John Lewis & Partners, House of Fraser, Zalando, and BrandAlley.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Debenhams
A former cornerstone of the British high street, Debenhams closed its final stores in May 2021 after falling into administration. The brand now exists solely as an online retailer.
While not a sudden shock to those who followed the business, Debenhams’s final closure was a profound moment for the British high street. It was a centuries-old institution and a key “anchor store” in towns and cities. Its disappearance left massive, empty buildings and created a domino effect, contributing to the decline of shopping centres.
(Image: Getty)
Paperchase
The stationery chain went into administration at the start of 2023, and its brand was acquired by Tesco. This only saved the intellectual property, leading to the closure of Paperchase’s 100 stores.
Catherine Erdly, founder of The Resilient Retail Club, said Paperchase was “a victim of an increasingly competitive stationery market”. The stationery retail sector faces stiff competition from general retailers like John Lewis and Flying Tiger, as well as specialist stores such as WHSmith, Ryman, Smiggle, Card Factory, and The Works.
(Image: Getty)