M&S, New Look and Poundland stores are closing in August as 17,000 shops to shut in 2025

Britain's high streets are braced for another bruising late-summer cull as retailers accelerate consolidation plans. According to the Centre for Retail Research, around 17,350 stores could close in 2025, putting up to 202,000 jobs at risk. At least 130 big-brand high street stores have closed this year so far; WHSmith and Homebase have cut back on stores after selling off some and shutting others, while even major names like Starbucks, Greggs, and Iceland have closed selected branches.

Retail experts say August and September are crucial because lease events and quarterly rent dates concentrate tough decisions. While some former high street staples have returned unexpectedly to the high street - namely Wilko and Topshop - the future remains cloudy for the likes of New Look and M&S, which will bid farewell to its flagship store.

Poundland

Poundland announced that it would shut 37 stores across three dates in August as part of a restructuring under new owner Gordon Brothers. The company cited performance below expectations and the need to return to growth.

The budget retailer has already bid farewell to 25 stores and will close the remaining 12 this weekend, on August 24, including:

Brigg (Cary Lane)

Canterbury (Marshwood Close)

Coventry (Hertford Street)

Newcastle (Killingworth Centre)

Kings Heath

Peterbourough

Peterlee

Rainham

Salford

Sheldon

Wells

Whitechapel (London)

Two further sites will close in early September, and more are earmarked without confirmed dates.

New Look

Dozens of New Look stores across the UK are at risk of closing even after the retailer bid farewell to one site on August 6, just weeks ago.

Closing-down sales have attracted shoppers on the hunt for a bargain, but challenging market conditions, a decline in the high street, and strategic decisions to focus on online and more profitable locations paint an uncertain picture of the chain's future.

At least 38 sites will close by the end of the year, which started with New Look's Wickford branch in southern Essex closing its doors on January 24 after 15 years of trading.

Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer's store portfolio has undergone massive changes since it announced plans to close 100 underperforming stores by 2022.

The company has continued to accelerate this store overhaul plan, which involves shutting down outdated locations and reducing the number of "full-line" (food, clothing, and homeware) stores by 2028.

In its efforts to focus more on high-street locations, retail parks, and its online channels, the flagship M&S store in Wolverhampton, which has been operating since 1929, will close.

The M&S on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, will close on Saturday, September 27. Staff have been told that an alternative location is being considered, but the exact site has not yet been confirmed.

Hobbycraft

Several Hobbycraft stores across the UK are set to close in the coming months. The stores located in Bromborough, Southport, and Stratford-Upon-Avon will be shutting their doors for good in August.

Additionally, the Hobbycraft store in Wigan is scheduled to close in early September, as confirmed on their official website. These closures mark a significant change for the company's retail presence in these areas.

The Original Factory shop

The Original Factory Shop announced that it would close 29 branches this year. Stores in Kidwelly, Normanton, and Kirkham have already closed. March Chard and Horley are also set to close soon.

The Chard branch is in the midst of a 50% off sale until it closes on September 7; meanwhile, the Horlsey branch will remain open until the end of September.

Local MP Taylor O'Driscoll expressed his disappointment at the announcement that The Original Factory Shop will close its doors at the end of next month.

He wrote on social media: "...while it's sad to be losing the Original Factory Shop, it's a reminder that in order to keep our high street upright, we must support it."

Game

The retailer operates about 240 UK stores and will close five in September 2025, following closures in Bridgwater, Manchester, and Nottingham. According to the Centre for Retail Research, Game's closures reflect broader sector challenges like rising energy costs, wages, rents, and online competition.

Game stores closing this autumn include:

• Bristol Galleries Shopping Centre
• Gateshead Metrocentre
• Basingstoke
• Southend
• Chatham

River Island

River Island is currently facing a critical financial situation that could lead to its collapse if the High Court does not approve a viable rescue plan.

The company's proposed measures to address its financial struggles include closing 33 stores across various locations, which will help reduce overall operational costs.

Additionally, River Island aims to negotiate reduced rental agreements for 71 other stores to ease its financial burden.

However, these strategic steps are dependent on gaining approval from its creditors and landlords, without which the company may not be able to implement these necessary changes and could potentially face insolvency.