Nine major UK retailers closing stores including The Body Shop, Greggs, and Deichmann

The British high street has been under strain in recent years

Nine popular retailers are closing down some locations across the UK(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Nine major retailers are preparing to shut their doors this month, with some planning multiple closures. The British high street has been under pressure in recent years due to falling footfall and rising costs, forcing many retailers to close some of their physical outlets.

However, it's important to note that not all closures are a result of financial struggles; some are strategic business decisions. Recent figures from the Centre for Retail Research show that around 13,479 high street stores permanently closed last year, a rise of 28% compared to the previous year.

It is forecasted that approximately 17,350 stores will close this year as higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and increases in the national minimum wage take effect in April. Regrettably, these closures are happening earlier than anticipated, with several well-known high street chains closing locations this month.

Here we list all the retailers that will be pulling down their shutters in the coming weeks.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop is set to close its Sheffield branch this month after 30 years in the city.

The skincare and beauty retailer will close its store on Orchard Square on January 15. Sadly, this isn't the only Body Shop closure this month, as the retailer's Castle Street site in Norwich will also shut down on January 15 after 44 years of trading, according to the Mirror.

Last year, the Body Shop made headlines when it fell into administration.

At the time, the retailer had to make the tough decision to let go of approximately 800 staff members and proceeded to close down 82 shops in the weeks that followed. The chain was eventually rescued from administration in September by Aurelius Group, with a deal that appeared set to keep its 113 UK stores trading.

Monki

In a recent move, H&M announced the closure of all seven of its Monki locations in the UK, with two branches scheduled to shut their doors in January. The fashion retailer, part of the global H&M group, has already ceased operations at its Newcastle store, located in Eldon Square shopping centre, which closed on Thursday, January 2.

Meanwhile, the Manchester store in the Arndale Centre is set to follow, with a closing date of Tuesday, January 17. H&M has explained that the decision to close the Monki stores is part of a strategy to integrate the brand with its sister label Weekday.

Matalan

This week will see Matalan bid farewell to its Chester store. Situated on Stadium Way near Greyhound Retail Park, the store is slated to permanently shut on the first Saturday of 2025, falling on January 4.

A spokesperson for Matalan stated that the closure is due to the landlord's plans to "redevelop" the site. They added: "Our priority is to support our colleagues and we are working closely with all those affected and where possible offering them alternative positions."

Greggs

Greggs, the beloved high street bakery, surprised Coventry residents with the announcement that it would be closing its Foleshill Road branch this month.

A notice posted in the shop window has announced that a store will close its doors on January 4, with a sign informing customers: "Sorry, we are closing on January 4, 2025. Your nearest shop is 118/120 Jubilee Crescent, Radford."

Despite this particular closure, Greggs reassures that this move does not reflect a broader plan to shut more branches.

The Entertainer

In related news, The Entertainer is set to say goodbye to its branch in Edinburgh's Cameron Toll shopping centre after ten years of trading, with plans to close permanently on January 4.

No formal reason for the closure has been shared; however, Chain boss Andrew Murphy had indicated that the recent Budget announcement by Labour could impact the business, prompting a decision to axe the planned opening of two new stores based on these financial pressures.

Deichmann

Adding to the high street exits, Deichmann has confirmed it will vacate its premises on Commercial Street in Newport, Wales, on January 11. For 17 years, the footwear vendor has been a staple for local shoppers, yet no explanation has been put forth regarding its withdrawal.

Post-closure, patrons of Deichmann will find their closest alternative in Cwmbran.

Cineworld

Troubles aren't sparing Cineworld either, as the cinema chain announced last year that it would be shutting down five UK venues to dodge the spectre of administration.

In December, Cineworld confirmed plans to permanently shut an additional six locations in January as part of its restructuring initiatives. In total, 11 Cineworld cinemas are expected to close.

The raft of closures includes the branch in Weymouth, which has already closed its doors on December 30, and locations in Middlesbrough, Northampton, Castleford, Leigh, and Poole set for closure on January 19.

Starbucks

Meanwhile, popular high street coffee giant Starbucks is poised to bid farewell to two of its UK outlets this month.

The first store facing closure is the Dumfries high street location, set to cease operations on January 12. While the reasons remain undisclosed, a Starbucks representative has shared that the company frequently reviews its store portfolio to ensure they meet customer demands effectively.

Following these closures, loyal customers will have to go to the chain's Annan Road site to get their coffee fix. The second Starbucks outlet scheduled to shut down is nestled inside the Cineworld complex at Sixfields Leisure Park in Northampton.

Aligned with Cineworld's closures, Starbucks confirms that their Sixfields branch will also be closing on January 19. A spokesperson for Starbucks added: "Following Cineworld's announcement that they are closing, our store inside Cineworld Sixfields will also close alongside it on January 19, and we are in the process of working with our employees to offer them positions at nearby stores."

WHSmith

WHSmith expressed gratitude to its patrons with the statement: "We thank our customers for their loyalty over the years and invite them to find their nearest stores in Northampton, Market Square and St James Retail Park."

The retail giant WHSmith is gearing up to close its branch on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, Dorset, on January 18. The stationery and book retailer's store closure comes after a farewell 50% off sale, concluding the final day of trade this Saturday.

While the reasons behind the decision to close this specific location have not been shared by WHSmith, it comes on the heels of another closure at its Boscombe branch last summer. Another blow to the area's retail landscape will be felt with the impending closure of WHSmith's outlet on Wimborne Road in Winton, scheduled for February 1 this year.

In spite of shutting down ten stores since March 2023, WHSmith remains ambitious about its growth. The company has plans to launch between ten and fifteen new stores next year, introducing hot food and coffee offerings in some locations.

Furthermore, WHSmith aims to broaden its assortment of branded and own-label confectionery, snacks, drinks.