In a significant blow to the UK's retail landscape, the prominent fashion chain Quiz has officially collapsed into administration, prompting an extensive "final clearance" sale across its entire network of stores. This development marks a challenging period for the high street, with the company's financial difficulties culminating in this decisive action.
Administrators Launch Stock Clearance Across All Locations
The administrators, Interpath, have confirmed that stock clearance offers are now available at every one of Quiz's 40 stores throughout the United Kingdom, as well as its seven concessions located in Ireland. This move comes as part of the insolvency process, with the aim of maximising returns for creditors while the future of the business is assessed.
Stores Remain Open for Clearance, But Refunds Halted
All Quiz stores and concessions will continue to operate for the time being, focusing solely on clearance sales. However, customers should be aware that refunds are no longer being accepted, and the brand's online store has been permanently closed. This shift in operations reflects the urgent need to liquidate remaining inventory.
A Tough Start to 2026 for the UK High Street
Alistair McAlinden, joint administrator and head of Interpath in Scotland, commented on the situation, stating, "With Quiz, the latest retailer to fall into administration, there's no doubt it's been a tough start to 2026 for the UK High Street." He emphasised that the company had been struggling over the past year, with poorer-than-expected sales during the crucial Christmas period exacerbating its financial woes.
McAlinden added, "It's our intention to continue to trade all stores and the concessions in Ireland as a going concern for as long as we can while we assess options for the business." Interpath has also pledged to provide support to affected staff during this difficult transition period.
Full List of Affected Stores and Concessions
The insolvency process encompasses all Quiz locations, including:
- Scotland: Aberdeen (Bon Accord Shopping Centre), Clydebank (Clyde Shopping Centre), Dunfermline (Kingsgate Shopping Centre), Glasgow (multiple locations including Braehead Shopping Centre and Buchanan Galleries), Inverness (Eastgate Shopping Centre), Irvine (Rivergate Shopping Centre), Livingston (The Centre Livingston), Stirling (The Thistles Shopping Centre).
- England: Basingstoke (Festival Place), Bracknell (The Lexicon), Carlisle (The Lanes Shopping Centre), Castleford (Junction 32 Outlet Village), Derby (Derbion), Eastbourne (The Beacon), Gateshead (Metrocentre), Hanley (The Potteries Centre), Hull (St Stephen’s Shopping Centre), Leeds (White Rose Shopping Centre), Leicester (Highcross Leicester), Manchester (Manchester Arndale and The Trafford Centre), Mansfield (Four Seasons Shopping Centre), Merryhill (Merry Hill Centre), Northampton (Grosvenor Shopping), Norwich (Chantry Place), Portsmouth (Cascades Shopping Centre), Romford (The Liberty Shopping Centre), Sheffield (Meadowhall), Telford (Telford Centre), Thurrock (Lakeside Shopping Centre), Warrington (Golden Square Shopping Centre), Watford (Atria Watford).
- Wales: Cardiff (St David’s Dewi Sant).
- Ireland: Belfast (CastleCourt Shopping Centre), Craigavon (Rushmere Shopping Centre), Newry (Buttercrane Shopping Centre), Newtownabbey (Abbey Centre), plus concessions in Carlow, Drogheda, Galway, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Sligo, and Wexford.
Founded in 1993, Quiz has been a familiar presence on British high streets for over three decades, making its collapse a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the retail sector. The clearance sales represent a final opportunity for shoppers to purchase items from the chain, as its future remains uncertain under administration.
