Five high street retailers closing down stores this weekend from WHSmith to New Look

Five high street retailers are shutting this weekend - with WHSmith and New Look among them. Around 13,479 high street stores shut for good last year, according to research from the Centre for Retail Research, and around 17,350 stores will close this year.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown: ‘’While big rent decision may be looming for some retailers, many are also grappling with how to deal with the extra costs burdens they will need to carry due to changes made in the Budget.

"Some retailers may decide to pass on price hikes to customers, others could decide to freeze recruitment, restrain pay rises, or even shed jobs," she said. She added: "Consumers are also showing more signs of caution, with a survey from GfK showing confidence in the UK’s economic prospects has fallen back."

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Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025."

Nike Factory Store

The Nike outlet, located at Craigleith retail park, will close its doors to customers on January 26 after an 'evaluation' was carried out into the store. In a document to staff, shared with Edinburgh Live, Nike confirmed there could be 'proposed redundancies' as part of the process. It's not yet known what will replace the site at the popular retail park.

A spokesperson for Nike said: "We constantly evaluate our store locations to give us the best opportunity to personally connect with consumers through premium products, experiences, and services. As part of this retail strategy, the Nike Craigleith Store will close per January 26."

According to one insider, staff were provided with a business proposal which states the shop has been forced to close as they were unable to secure a new lease agreement.

WHSmith

Cambridge's WHSmith in Broad Street will be shutting on Saturday January 25. It means that the nearest WHSmith's are in Ely, St Ives, Huntingdon, Wisbech and Cambridge. A spokesperson for WHSmith said: "We are disappointed to be losing our presence in March and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.

"We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”

New Look

A New Look store in an Essex town will be shutting down this month after more than 15 years in business. The clothes store in Wickford town centre will be shutting on January 24 this year. The fashion retailer said the store, which has been running since 2009 in Wickford, would be shutting at the request of the landlord. It is not yet known if anything has been lined up to replace the store.

New Look was founded in 1969 and is a British global fashion retailer with numerous high street shops selling womenswear, menswear, and clothing for teens. A New Look spokesman said: "Our Wickford store is set to close on January 24 at the landlord’s request. We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years. We hope customers continue to shop with us at our nearby Basildon store, whilst our full product ranges can also be found at newlook.com."

FatFace

FatFace on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, is also shutting. The store, which opened in 2004, will shut its doors permanently on Sunday January 26 —or sooner if stock sells out during its ongoing closing-down sale.

The brand, known for casual clothing and outdoor wear, has been a staple on the bustling shopping street for years, but it’s now the latest in a line of closures impacting the area.

The Entertainer

In Luton, toy shop The Entertainer will close on Saturday January 25. A Luton Point spokesperson said: “While we’re saddened by The Entertainer’s decision to leave, we’re pleased to have Toy Town on board to continue offering children’s toys.

"We’re also working to secure a new operator for the Post Office.” The Entertainer confirmed the decision, with head of region Nigel Overton saying: “We are sad to be closing our Luton store and thank our customers and staff for their loyalty over the years.”