More than 8,500 retail outlets closed in 2024
High street favourites including WHSmith and The Entertainer are set to close more stores next year. More than 8,500 retail outlets across the UK shut their doors in 2024, as reported by the Centre for Retail Research.
This is largely due to customers having less disposable income following a sharp increase in bills during the cost of living crisis, the Mirror reported. Combined with higher rents and cost for retailers, the high street appears to be struggling.
After Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed an increase in the amount employers pay in National Insurance costs, several businesses expressed concerns over costs for the coming year. Below is a list of all the shops set to close in 2025.
Homebase
Homebase is closing several locations including Derry/Londonderry, Inverurie, Omagh and Fife. The DIY retailer had most of its stores bought by retail conglomerate CDS, owners of The Range, after falling into administration. The purchase protected 1,600 jobs and 70 stores.
Co-op
Central Co-op, a part of the wider Co-operative Group, has unveiled plans to close down 19 outlets across middle England. Three will be transformed into B&M stores while the rest have been purchased by independent chain Samy, which will rebrand them under various names including Budgens, Spar, Londis and Premier.
WHSmith
WHSmith will close its Winton branch in Bournemouth on February 15. The retailer previously confirmed it would focus more on travel divisions with around 110 new stores expected in airports, railway stations and hospitals. WHSmith is also opening 37 new Toys R Us concessions inside WH Smith stores. WHSmith has more than 1,100 UK stores.
The Entertainer
The Entertainer will close its store at the Cameron Toll shopping centre in Edinburgh on January 4. However, the toy retailer has rolled out more than 850 brand-new toy shops inside Tesco stores.
Monki
Monki, a brand under the H&M umbrella, is closing all seven of its UK establishments next year. Newcastle’s Intu Eldon Square will see its Monki store cease trading on January 2, followed by Manchester Arndale’s outlet shutting down on January 17.
Millets
Outdoor retailer Millets will close six stores early next year. Branches located in Lowestoft, Douglas, York, and Grimsby are earmarked for a rebrand, set to become Go Outdoors, which is Millets’ sister company. Millets currently operates approximately 100 stores throughout the UK.