WHSmith is closing some stores (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
, and are set to across the country in February.
The British high street has faced a turbulent last few years due to the crisis impacting consumers and shocks to the international economy.
A downturn in visitor numbers coupled with escalating costs has seen numerous retailers forced into making tough decisions, with some outlets closing up shop.
Below is a roundup of the retailers saying closing stores and the locations impacted by the measures.
Sainsbury’s
In London, the Sainsbury’s Stamford Hill outlet, which has been in the area for the past 14 years, will cease operations on February 1 owing to redevelopment plans.
Speaking about the imminent closure, a Sainsbury’s representative said: “Earlier this year, we shared the difficult news with colleagues at our Stamford Hill supermarket that the landlord intends to redevelop the site. The store will remain open and our colleagues will continue to serve the local community as usual between now and February 1, when our lease expires.”
Iceland
Iceland, the popular frozen food retailer, will sadly be closing its Welling branch in London this coming Saturday, February 1. Details regarding why the store on 53 Bellegrove Road have not been shared.
Following the announcement, Iceland assured staff that they are doing their utmost to reassign affected staff members to alternate locations.
One Sainsbury’s store in London will close (Image: Getty)
Don’t miss…
Reflecting on the store’s impending closure, an Iceland spokesperson remarked: “We can confirm our Welling Iceland store is scheduled to close on 1st February. Our store colleagues have entered into a consultation process and have been offered opportunities at surrounding stores where possible.”
WHSmith
Meanwhile, high street mainstay WHSmith has revealed plans to say goodbye to four of its shops in February, backing a strategic pivot towards travel locations.
The well-known chain anticipates divesting 500 of its high street outlets, which could jeopardise as many as 5,000 jobs.
In a move confirming the changing retail landscape, one WHSmith outlet in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is slated to cease operations at midday on Saturday, February 1, while shops situated in Winton, Rhyl, and Bolton will follow suit on February 15. Here’s the complete catalogue of WH Smith closures for this month:.
Hollister
The US-based clothing brand Hollister is set to shut its doors at the Union Square branch in Aberdeen for good in February, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed. The fashion retailer, owned by Abercrombie and Fitch, has been present in Scotland since 2010 and has expressed its intention to maintain a presence in Aberdeen.
A statement from Abercrombie and Fitch read: “We can confirm we will be closing our Union Square Hollister store at the end of February. We believe stores matter and we are exploring new store opportunities in the UK, including in Aberdeen, to provide a great shopping experience for our customers. “.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, a stark rise in store closures is on the horizon for this year, with figures anticipated to hit 17,349, a significant leap from the 13,479 seen in 2024. This worrying trend owes largely to increased National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and hikes in the national minimum wage, set to kick in from April.