Published: 2025-08-16 20:35:39 | Views: 7
River Island has confirmed the closure date of one of its popular branches, as it moves ahead with a major restructuring plan that will see dozens of stores disappear from the UK high street. In total, 33 River Island stores across the UK are set to shut by the end of January 2026 under the plan, which recently gained approval from the High Court. The company, which has more than 250 stores in the UK, said the decision has come in response to changing consumer habits and rising costs, with more shoppers now turning to online platforms.
One of the branches earmarked for closure is located on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street, a key shopping destination in the capital. A notice has now gone up in the shop window, confirming that it will close its doors on Friday, September 5.
The notice reads: "This store will be closing from Friday 5th September. Please visit us online at RiverIsland.com or at your nearest stores. To all our valued customers, we will see you soon."
The 33 closures are expected to result in the loss of around 110 jobs. River Island is also seeking rent reductions from landlords on 71 other stores, in some cases asking for rent to be waived entirely as it attempts to cut costs and avoid further losses.
In late 2024, River Island described 2024 as a "year of reset for the business" after posting a pre-tax loss of £32.3 million for the year ending 30 December 2023.
That marked a sharp downturn from the £7.5 million profit it recorded the previous year. According to filings with Companies House, sales also fell by 15% from £825.8 million to £701.5 million in 2023.
Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island, said about the restructuring plan approved on August 8, 2025: "We are pleased that River Island's restructuring plan has been approved by the High Court.
"We have a clear transformation strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the business, and this decision gives us a strong platform to deliver this.
"Recent improvements in our fashion offer and shopping experience are starting to show results, and the restructuring plan will enable us to align our store estate to our customers’ needs.
"We are grateful to our suppliers, landlords and other stakeholders for their constructive engagement and shared confidence in River Island's future."