A total of 41 shops are set to close across the UK, with Primark, Superdrug, River Island and Poundland all shutting stores in January, as pressure continues to mount on the UK high street. Some of the closures have already taken place, while others are still expected to take place throughout the month, affecting towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Primark has already closed its store at The Orchards Shopping Centre in Dartford, with the final day of trading taking place on January 3. The fashion retailer said the decision followed concerns over the condition of the building, marking what is believed to be its first store closure in more than 10 years.
Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, told The Sun: “This difficult decision was informed by the extensive repair work required to the building, which given the close proximity to two other Primark stores, is just not viable.
“We’re pleased that more than half of our colleagues will be taking up roles in nearby stores and for those colleagues leaving the business, we are focused on supporting them.”
Health and beauty chain Superdrug has also confirmed that its long-standing Dudley High Street shop will close at the end of the month after over 40 years of trading in the town.
The store at 38A High Street is due to shut on January 31, with the unit to be taken over by discount retailer Savers which is expected to open on February 12.
Fashion brand River Island has also announced plans to shut 27 stores in January 2026 as it continues to reshape its physical footprint.
Discount retailer Poundland is expected to close 12 branches in January under a restructuring programme approved by the High Court after it was sold to investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1.
Full list of January 2026 closures across Primark, Superdrug, River Island, and Poundland
