A growing number of British high-street fashion brands, including River Island and New Look, have been closing physical stores throughout 2025, with more potential closures on the horizon.

This trend suggests that the struggle for brick-and-mortar retail isn't limited to discount stores (like Poundland) or coffee chains (like Costa Coffee), but is now significantly impacting the fashion sector.

This year has proved to be a severe low point for retailers overall. Several factors like rising operational costs and dwindling sales are forcing many established brands to consider shutting down stores.

The industry downturn has had direct consequences for employees, as retail employment has experienced a notable slump compared to previous years.

While the approaching holiday shopping season typically brings a boost in sales and the hiring of temporary staff to manage the Christmas rush, the overall trajectory for UK physical stores suggests a grim long-term picture for the future of traditional shopping.