Overview
- Nearly 800 stores were closed across major chains in 2025 as businesses restructured or entered administration.
- Poundland was sold for £1 to Gordon Brothers, shut an initial 57 stores and is set to pass 100 closures by early 2026 as its estate trims to roughly 650–700 from about 800.
- WH Smith sold its UK high-street business to Modella Capital, closed around 20 shops and the buyer plans to rebrand the chain as TGJones while WH Smith concentrates on travel sites.
- Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in operator entered administration leading to 68 restaurant and 11 delivery-site closures, with Yum! Brands buying the remaining operation to save 64 restaurants.
- Claire’s UK went into administration as Modella saved 156 stores, while 145 shops closed affecting about 1,000 workers, alongside further cutbacks at Bodycare, Homebase and Leon.