Particle.news
Download on the App Store

River Island Shuts Oxford and Didcot Stores as 2026 Closure List Reaches 32

The company frames the cuts as a restructuring to stem losses, prioritising online sales.

Overview

  • The Oxford Westgate and Didcot Orchard Centre branches shut permanently on Saturday, January 31.
  • River Island closed 11 stores today across the UK, with affected sites including Gloucester, Barnstaple and Poole.
  • A published list names 32 locations due to close in 2026, with the Rugby branch scheduled to shut on February 7.
  • The retailer says the closures form part of a recovery plan following heavy losses and a narrowly avoided administration last year.
  • Customers are being directed to shop online, with next-day and nominated-day delivery promoted as alternatives to visiting stores.