Overview
- The fashion chain is implementing a court‑approved restructuring that will close around 32 UK branches by the end of January 2026.
- Fifteen locations now have confirmed dates, including Hartlepool on January 24, with several others set for January 18 or January 31.
- Lists published by national and local outlets cover England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with earlier closures in Wandsworth and Omagh reported in September.
- The plan includes rent reductions at about 71 stores and partial debt write‑offs on certain leases to help avoid administration.
- River Island attributes the downsizing to a shift toward online shopping and rising operating costs, and court filings indicate no Republic of Ireland stores are slated to close.