River Island has revealed plans to close 33 of its UK stores, including the Taunton branch in Somerset, as it embarks on a significant restructuring to combat recent financial challenges. These closures are scheduled to take effect before January 28, 2026, and put hundreds of jobs at risk.
The fashion retailer, which operates approximately 230 stores nationwide, cited a shift in consumer shopping habits from physical stores to online platforms and rising operational costs as key factors driving the decision. Alongside the confirmed closures, an additional 71 stores face potential shutdown depending on lease negotiations aimed at securing lower rents.
Established in 1948 under the Lewis and Chelsea Girl brand, River Island transitioned through a rebranding in the 1980s and currently employs around 5,500 people. To navigate this restructuring, the company has enlisted PwC advisors to oversee the process. The proposed plan will be subject to creditor approval in a vote scheduled for August.
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Chief Executive Ben Lewis acknowledged the retailer’s rich heritage on the British high street but emphasized the necessity of reshaping the business to meet evolving customer needs and financial realities. “The migration of shoppers online and climbing costs have created significant challenges, leaving us with a store portfolio that no longer fits our strategy,” Lewis said. He added that recent enhancements in product offerings and in-store experience have yielded positive outcomes but stressed that restructuring is crucial for the brand’s long-term profitability.
River Island’s financial difficulties reflect a broader trend affecting high street fashion retailers struggling against reduced consumer spending and competition from low-cost online competitors like Shein. In 2023, the company reported a £33.2 million loss after a 19% drop in sales.
Documentation submitted to court details the exact stores closing and outlines rent reduction requests categorized by percentage (25% to 75%) for the remaining locations. The success of these negotiations will determine whether further store closures occur, highlighting ongoing uncertainty within the company’s footprint.