High street chains and retailers closing 16 shops in September – is your local on the list?

HIGH streets across Britain face a further blow as chains shutter more stores for good in September.

Big name closures are sure to disappoint shoppers heading to town centres in the coming weeks.

Hobbycraft is among the names shutting sites[/caption]

There is growing pressure on chains with a bricks and mortar presence as the cost of running soars.

Higher energy bills, rents, as well as bigger National Insurance contributions for workers is squeezing retailers to the brink.

The conveniences of shopping online mean that footfall has also dropped.

Once bustling high streets are now paying the price with many becoming eerily quiet.

In the latest victim of the high street, Claire’s Accessories collapsed into administration and has stopped its online orders for customers.

As it stands, all 306 stores across the UK and Ireland are set to remain open.

Here we round up the shops that are closing this month so you can check if your local centre is affected…

Poundland

As part of restructuring plans announced earlier this year, Poundland revealed it would close 68 stores in total before mid-October.

On September 14 the brand’s branch in the Rivergate Shopping Centre, Irvine, will close.

And there will be another 16 locations set to go in the coming weeks on top of those already gone to bring the total to 68.

The chain has not yet revealed these final 16 locations but it’s thought many could disappear in September.

Hobbycraft

This popular crafts business is another chain going through a major shakeup.

As a result, there are six stores closing in September, in the following locations:

• Stafford
• Wigan
• Maidenhead
• King’s Lynn
• Chichester
• Crayford

The chain has already closed 21 sites so far this year.

Closing down sales are taking place at some of the branches as bosses look to clear remaining stock, so keep a look out for bargains.

The Original Factory Shop

The bargain chain has been closing stores across the UK as part of a restructure.

The company has already shuttered several stores this year, with 28 shops facing the axe.

Its store in Chard will be closing for good on September 7 and its Market Drayton, Shropshire location will go on September 20

The shops are launching a huge closing down sale, with all items now 50% off.

Stores in the following locations are set to close but dates have not been confirmed:

• Middlewich, Cheshire
• Blairgowrie, Scotland
• Heswall, Merseyside
• Kinross, Scotland
• Nairn, Scotland
• Mexborough, South Yorkshire
• Whitchurch, Shropshire

River Island

River Island is currently going through a huge restructure plan amid financial troubles.

Several stores have already closed this year, including locations in Corby, Banbury, and Chesterfield.

The chain plans to close at least 33 stores as part of plans to stay afloat.

Most will close in January, however its branch in Edinburgh will be closing on September 5.

It comes after the retailer reported a £33.2million pre-tax loss for 2023, with sales falling 19% in the following year.

New Look

Troubled fashion retailer New Look is expected to close a further 12 sites before the end of the year.

Although not all locations have yet been announced, the business has confirmed that its Scarborough store will be closing on September 5.

A spokeswoman for the chain said: “Our store in Scarborough is set close on September 5.

“We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.

“We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found.”

The brand has already closed down eight stores across the UK since the start of the year,

In total the chain said it will close around 100 stores following National Insurance hikes and other factors.

Sites where leases are up for renewal are at risk, according to reports.

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer has confirmed a historic flagship store will close after failing to recover from Covid.

The Dudley Street store, Wolverhampton will stop trading on September 27.

M&S regional manager, Calum Telford, said: “I would like to say a massive thanks to all our customers who have shopped with us over the years and our colleagues, past and present, who have contributed to the store.”

However, it’s not the end of the brand in the area.

Calum added: “We have a proud history in Wolverhampton and are working with the city council to find a suitable alternative food location.”

M&S announced in 2022 it intended to reduce its number of traditional department store openings from 247 to 180, while also opening an additional 100 new food halls by April 2026.

Bonmarche

Bonmarche is closing its Scarborough branch on September 14.

And the store has a big clearance sale taking place where shoppers can pick up some bargains in the final weeks before closure.

It comes as the Brunswick shopping centre is closing as part of redevelopment taking place in the town.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, Bonmarche has no choice but to move as the Brunswick Centre in Scarborough is closing down.

“But we love Scarborough and are actively on the hunt for a new location in the local area.”

Bonmarche closed its branch in Armstrong’s Mill, Derbyshire in March.

And before that shut its branch in Arnold, Nottingham, reportedly due to increasing rent costs.

GAME

GAME has been closing several UK stores due to restructuring by parent company Frasers Group.

Festival Place in Basingstoke closed on August 10.

And a further three stores will close in September with Metrocentre Shopping Centre, Gateshead disappearing on September 7.

The Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol is closing on September 25.

And Chatham, Kent is due to close before end of the month.

Stores closing down have launched big sales giving shoppers the opportunity to pocket a bargain or two.