Fashion retailer River Island has confirmed it will shut down another prominent high street store, this time in Altrincham, as part of a drastic restructuring plan designed to prevent the chain's collapse.
Wave of Closures Hits High Streets
The brand's store in the Stamford Quarter, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, is scheduled to close permanently at the beginning of the new year. This is the latest in a series of shutdowns that have seen the fashion giant retreat from the British high street.
This follows a significant number of closures already enacted in 2025. A total of seven shops have been shuttered this year, and a further 33 locations have been formally approved for closure, with their doors expected to close for good in January.
Specific locations previously earmarked for closure include popular branches in Sutton Coldfield, Hanley, and Hereford in the West Midlands.
Online Shift and Financial Strain
Ben Lewis, Chief Executive of River Island, directly attributed the store closure strategy to a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour. He stated, "River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street. However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers' needs."
This strategic pivot is a direct response to severe financial difficulties. The company's accounts revealed a stark 19 per cent drop in sales last year, culminating in an annual loss of £33.2 million.
Back in August, lawyers representing the brand informed a court that River Island "simply has not been able to reverse" the trend of financial decline.
Uncertain Future for Dozens More Stores
The situation remains volatile for much of the River Island estate. According to a report from the Sun, up to 71 other locations could be at risk of shutting down. The final decision on these stores rests on the outcome of ongoing negotiations with landlords.
The human impact of these closures was highlighted in September when the Omagh branch in Northern Ireland became the first to close following the announcement. In a social media post, staff explained the closure, writing, "Our landlord and River Island unfortunately couldn't agree on the terms of a new lease... the landlord has asked River Island to vacate the building." The team expressed they were "totally gutted," thanking their loyal customers for years of support.
