December has marked yet another busy period for retailers across the UK with many shops having already been axed from high streets.
Supermarkets, fashion retailers and homeware brands have all bid farewell to brick-and-mortar sites this month despite being just two weeks in.
It follows 11 months of relentless closures across the industry, including the collapse and revival of Wilko.
While some household names have finalised closures for 2023, there are still more to go from the likes of Boots and Next.
That said, many staple retailers including Asda will see a fruitful expansion of shops before 2024 arrives, with two brand new stores debuting today, December 11.
Shops closing in December
Next
The beloved brand is known for its mega Boxing Day sale, but some customers may not be able to visit their local branch this year.
Just months ago, the retailer announced that it would close 11 outlets across the UK before the end of the year. Exact dates and locations are yet to be announced.
Poundland
Poundland customers who frequent the Chineham Shopping Centre branch near Basingstoke will see the shop close for good on Sunday, December 31.
But it’s by no means bad news for fans of the brand, which is expanding by the day.
Boots
The health and beauty giant has already closed several stores this year as part of plans to slash its portfolio by 300.
Branches in Coventry, Woking, Wakefield, Great Yarmouth, London and more have all been axed so far, though none are confirmed to close this December.
More will be axed in early 2024, however, with Plymouth ear-marked to lose four community pharmacies in January and March.
Homebase, New Look, Lacoste and WHSmith all bid farewell to brick and mortar sites earlier this month, on December 2, 3, and 10.
Shops opening in December
Asda
The staple supermarket will see 34 brand new Asda Express sites open across the UK before Christmas arrives. Two of them will welcome customers for the first time today, including one branch in Wilnecote and another in Nottingham.
A staggering 12 more will open on Tuesday, December 12, with the remaining sites planned to make their debut between now and Friday, December 15.
Poundland
Poundland stores are becoming even easier to find on high streets with almost a million square feet in new space spread across the UK.
The bargain chain took on 71 former Wilko sites as part of its expansion plans following the collapse of its former rival back in August. Many ex-Wilko sites have now opened up as Poundland in locations such as Newcastle, Leicester and Leeds, with more are expected to follow.
According to the retailer, its expansion will see 86 new stores open and relocate in just a 70-day period this quarter.
