UK high streets are set for a challenging year, with more than 150 store closures planned for 2026. Shops affected include banks, fashion retailers, and numerous other businesses, indicating significant changes for both shoppers and workers. From well-known national brands to popular local stores, these closures highlight ongoing struggles in the sector.
Many retailers say rising costs, including higher National Insurance and minimum wage increases, are making it hard to stay open. Business rates are also a major concern. You can find the full list of all the store closures scheduled for 2026 below.
Banks
Lloyds Banking Group has announced its strategy to shut 15 Halifax sites and 40 Lloyds branches nationwide this year. A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group previously stated: "The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing apps to manage their money.
"We're providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people. Alongside our app, our customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or banking hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations."
List of Lloyds Bank branch closures in 2026
List of Halifax closures in 2026
River Island
River Island will close 32 stores across the UK in January as part of a restructuring plan to address ongoing financial losses. The fashion retailer reported a £33.2 million deficit in 2023 following a 19% drop in sales. In addition, it will pay reduced rent on 71 stores, a move approved by a High Court judge in August.
The company cites the rise of online shopping and high costs of maintaining physical stores as key challenges. CEO Ben Lewis said the brand remains "much-loved" but has "a large portfolio of stores no longer aligned to our customers' needs," compounded by rising operating costs.
River Island operates over 200 UK outlets and employs around 5,500 people, though many roles are at risk due to the reorganisation. The company plans to relocate staff where possible.
List of River Island closures in 2026
Primark
Primark will close its Dartford store on Saturday, January 3, marking its first UK store closure in a decade. Staff at the branch have been made redundant, with customers encouraged to visit nearby stores in Bexleyheath and Bluewater.
Philippa Nibbs, Primark's UK South and South East sales director, said the closure was due to extensive repair work that was "not viable given the proximity of two other stores." She added that over half of the affected staff have been offered roles at nearby locations, while the company is providing support to those leaving. Nibbs thanked the Dartford community and customers for their support over the years.
TrespassThe outdoor clothing specialist with around 300 locations will close one outlet next year, after shutting branches in Watford and Buckinghamshire in 2025. Trespass will shut its Southampton branch on Above Bar Street on March 9.
Poundland
After undergoing a substantial reorganisation and considerable shop closures already, the discount chain is preparing to shut a further 14 outlets by February 2026, taking the overall closure count to 100. The affected branches are running clearance promotions offering discounts of up to 40%.
List Poundland store closures in 2026
Cancer Research
The charity revealed in October that it would shut 88 shops by May 2026, owing to escalating operational expenses and shifting shopping habits.
The two-year programme could result in "up to 100 more" outlets closing by April 2027, trimming its portfolio to approximately 320 shops. However, it's not entirely about retrenchment. The charity intends to launch 12 'superstores' by 2028 on retail parks.
List of Cancer Research stores closing
