Full list of stores closing this month, including Boots and Wetherspoon

British high streets have changed significantly in recent years with the departure of major players such as Topshop, Debenhams and House of Fraser.

Now, in a wave of new store closures, four major brands are shuttering brick-and-mortar stores to keep up with the ever-changing retail landscape.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Helena Davies, head of retail and specialist property litigation at Brabners, commented: “New figures released by PwC last week showed that UK brick-and-mortar retailers are closing 12 more stores than they are now Open every week – this period , when the number of visitors in cities has decreased for 13 months in a row.

“Companies, large and small, that are struggling right now are doing so mainly because of the increased costs of their physical footprint and the impact of the cost of living crisis on demand.

“Both have proved challenging for those with less flexible business models, contributing to an 18 per cent increase in insolvencies in the sector compared to this time last year.”

As for stores closing this month, fashion giant Bonmarché is preparing to say goodbye in Arnold, Nottingham, this weekend. It follows a number of stores which have already pulled their shutters this September, including New Look, Beales, Clarks and WHSmith.

Bonmarche

The fashion retailer is a well-loved local in Arnold, Nottingham, and shoppers have been left disappointed by the news of the closure this Sunday, September 22. It even sparked a response from local MP Michael Payne, who shared on Facebook: “Bonmarché has been part of our community for many years, providing an essential service to many residents, including those with reduced mobility, who find it difficult to shop elsewhere or don’t want to shop online.

“The store has also been an important employer of many dedicated employees who have continuously contributed to the business and the local area.”

The brand has had a tumultuous few years since it went into administration in 2019, but Bonmarché has seen a resurgence in popularity and opened a number of new locations in late 2023. However, there is hope for expansion after the retailer revealed plans to open more branches in the next 18 months.

Wetherspoons

The iconic pub chain is a British favourite, but some of its 790 locations are at risk of closure. JD Wetherspoons announced a sale program in 2023, and a dozen pubs are currently looking for new owners.

Sites in Cardiff, Swindon, Felixstowe and elsewhere have been listed on the market. Many others were sold last year, although some have since been withdrawn and remain open under the Wetherspoons brand, including The Gate House in Doncaster.

There is no word on when the pubs will close, as this will depend on whether the sale goes through, but some could be closed within weeks. In any case, the iconic chain suggested that those at risk will close by the end of 2024.

Wetherspoons pubs for sale

1. of Pontlottyn, Abertillery
2. Ivor Davies, Cardiff
3. Spa Lane Vaults, Chesterfield
4. Sir Daniel Arms, Swindon
5. Plow and Harrow, London
6. Sennockian, Sevenoaks
7. Hain Line, St Ives
8. Lord Claud Hamilton, Felixstowe (underdeveloped site)
9. Baridi Department Store, Hamilton (underdeveloped site)
10. Foot of the walk, Leith
11. Quay, Poole
12. Cross Keys, Peebles (on offer)

Boots

The health and beauty chain announced last year that it would close 300 branches by the beginning of October 2024. The aim of the closures is to reduce the chain’s portfolio from around 2,200 to 1,900 and save a whopping £618m.

In June 2023, it announced its strategy to close 650 stores in the UK. Since then, more than 580 Boots stores have said their final goodbyes. Some are still open but may close within weeks to meet the October deadline.

Blacks out

The outdoor clothing and accessories store will close its Leicester office on Saturday, September 21, leaving more than 70 stores in the chain.

JD Sports Fashion plc owns Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited, a UK retailer that owns Blacks, Millets and Ultimate Outdoors.

Blacks was bought by the brand in 2012 for £20m and since then Blacks has expanded its range and sells high profile brands such as The North Face and Berghaus.