River Island and Primark are among the major retailers that have confirmed store closures for January 2026. Last year, 54 retailers went bankrupt, leading to the closure of 3,080 stores and the loss of 30,153 jobs, as reported by the Centre for Retail Research. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data revealed a 0.1% decline in retail sales volumes in November.

River Island is set to shutter at least 27 stores this month as part of a restructuring plan that previously included the closure of 33 stores. Locations like Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees have already closed. However, the closure dates for Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria are yet to be confirmed.

Poundland will close 12 stores in January as approved by the High Court following a restructuring initiative. The discount retailer had closed 57 stores by the end of September after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1.

Primark closed its Dartford store on January 3 due to the urgent need for building repairs, marking its first closure in over a decade. Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, cited the extensive repair work as the reason for the closure, with a focus on supporting affected employees.

Lloyds Banking Group, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, will close a total of 34 branches this month, attributing the decision to the increasing popularity of online banking.

The closures reflect ongoing challenges faced by retailers and banks amid shifting consumer behaviors and economic dynamics.