Fashion retailer River Island has confirmed the exact date it will permanently close its store in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, as part of a nationwide restructuring plan.
Final Week for Gracechurch Centre Branch
The branch located within the Gracechurch Shopping Centre will shut its doors for the final time on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This closure is one of 33 the chain is implementing across the UK.
Signage placed in the shop window has informed customers of the impending closure, stating: "This store is closing. Sunday January 18. Thanks for shopping with us - we've had a blast." The message directs shoppers to RiverIsland.com and other nearby branches.
In a bid to clear remaining inventory, all stock in the Sutton Coldfield store has been heavily discounted, offering a final chance for bargain hunters. This was the only Birmingham branch listed for closure in the company's restructuring programme.
Background to the Closures and Local Impact
River Island first announced its proposals to restructure the business in June 2025, with the planned closures receiving approval from the High Court in August of the same year.
While the Sutton Coldfield unit will vanish, River Island confirms that its other Birmingham locations will continue trading as normal. Shoppers can still visit the larger Bullring branch and the store at The Fort shopping park.
The departure of River Island will leave a notable gap in the Gracechurch Centre's retail offering. However, the centre is set to welcome significant new tenants in the coming year.
New Retailers Set for Sutton Coldfield in 2026
Filling the void left by major closures, an exciting new arrival is confirmed for the Gracechurch Centre. Australian department store giant Harvey Norman will occupy the large unit at the old BHS end later in 2026. The store is known for selling electrical goods, home appliances, and furniture.
Furthermore, a popular pizza chain is expanding its presence in the town. Rudy's Pizza is set to move into a unit on Birmingham Road, at number 10, which was previously occupied by Built Unique gym. The new restaurant is currently in the process of recruiting staff.
These changes form part of a broader transformation for Sutton Coldfield's high street and retail landscape throughout 2026.
