Major UK Fashion Retailer to Close 35 Stores

Major UK Fashion Retailer to Close 35 Stores

In a major blow to the UK high street, a fashion retailer has confirmed the closure of 35 of its stores as part of a High Court-approved restructuring program.
The company, which had 207 stores as of March 28, 2025, has faced significant financial difficulties, with its latest accounts showing a full-year loss of £33.2 million.
Ahead of the Hanley store closure in Stoke-on-Trent in January 2026, all items will be slashed to £10 or less.
CEO Ben Lewis noted that the company's large portfolio of stores is no longer aligned with customer needs due to the shift to online shopping.
He stated that the restructuring is necessary to 'secure River Island’s future as a profitable retail business' and that the company regrets any job losses.
The closures come amidst a 'sharp rise in the cost of doing business' and the company is also in talks for rent cuts at 71 other outlets.

UK Retail Sales Dip Pre-Christmas

UK retail sales fall 0.3% in November 2025, raising concerns for high street ahead of Christmas.

Bodycare to Shut 30 More Stores Amid Financial Struggles

Health and beauty retailer Bodycare announces 30 additional store closures, putting 250 jobs at risk as administrators seek a buyer.

Cinnabon Exits UK Market, Closing All Stores

Cinnabon confirms closure of its 13 UK stores as operator shifts focus to core convenience retail business.

High Street Shops Closing Branches in September

Several popular UK high street brands, including Marks & Spencer, Poundland, and New Look, are closing branches this month due to rising costs and a shift to online shopping.

Asahi Beer Shortage in Japan

Cyber-attack halts Asahi production, leading to potential shortages of Super Dry beer and other products in Japan.

Bournemouth Airport Strikes Called Off After Unite Union Accepts Improved Pay Offer

Strike action planned by some staff at Bournemouth Airport, which was set to begin on Tuesday, has been suspended after the Unite union secured an improved offer from the employer.

150 Research Jobs to Transfer from Deeside to Manchester

Medical technology firm Convatec announces £500 million UK investment but will relocate R&D jobs from North Wales to a new Manchester hub.

Asahi Confirms European Supply Unaffected by Cyberattack Targeting Japanese Operations

Beverage giant Asahi has confirmed that its European and UK beer supply lines, including brands like Peroni and Grolsch, have not been impacted by a cyberattack limited solely to its operations within Japan.

BP to Extract Oil from Gulf of Mexico’s Risky Tiber Field in $5bn Project

Energy giant BP is proceeding with a $5 billion project to tap oil in the Tiber field, a Gulf of Mexico location previously considered too hazardous to exploit.

25m Funding Boost for Creative Talent

Government allocates 25m to Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester for film, TV, music, and video games industries.

125 Jobs Axed at Lindsey Oil Refinery

Administrators announce 125 redundancies at Prax Lindsey oil refinery, leaving 255 workers amid ongoing sale efforts.

Cannabis Stocks Soar After Trump Video Promotes CBD Use for Seniors and Medicaid Funding

Cannabis company stocks, including Canopy Growth and Tilray, jumped on Monday after President Trump shared a nearly three-minute-long video on his Truth Social platform promoting the use of hemp-derived CBD as a pain and stress reliever for seniors and advocating for its coverage under Medicaid.

Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Bribery in Cannabis License Scandal

A Las Vegas man has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges related to an investigation into the area's cannabis licensing process, following a high-profile case involving a former Clark County Commissioner.

Asahi Breweries Hit by Cyberattack Causing System Failure in Japan Operations

Japanese brewer Asahi, the parent company of brands like Peroni and Grolsch, has been hit by a cyberattack causing a 'system failure' that is limited to its operations within Japan, while assuring consumers that its UK beer supply remains unaffected.

Bank of England Warns on Persistent Inflation

BOE's Catherine Mann indicates UK inflation persistence scenario is unfolding, signaling caution for policy.

Asda Fined £130,000 After Selling Out-of-Date Ham and Cheesecakes

Supermarket giant Asda has been hit with a £130,000 fine after products, including ham and cheesecakes, were found to be sold past their use-by dates.

Jaguar Land Rover Expects to Restart Operations After Cyberattack Hits Global Plants

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has confirmed it expects to restart operations in the 'coming days' after a sophisticated cyberattack earlier this month impacted its manufacturing plants across the UK, Slovakia, India, and Brazil.

Asda Fined £130k Over Sale of Out-of-Date Ham and Cheese

Supermarket giant Asda has been fined £130,000 for multiple failures in food safety, specifically for selling expired meat, including out-of-date ham and cheese, following inspections by environmental health officials.

China’s Economic Engine Sputters: Factory Data Reflects Sluggish Domestic Demand

New factory activity data for China reflects persistent weakness in the world's second-largest economy, with analysts noting that manufacturing measures show 'sluggish domestic demand' and companies are under pressure to cut prices amid fierce competition.

Japan Scraps Africa Hometown Initiative Over Misinformation and Burden on Local Governments

The President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Akihiko Tanaka, apologised after the agency announced it would scrap its 'Africa Hometown initiative' due to misinformation and an excessive burden on participating municipalities.

Mitsubishi Increases UK Investments

Mitsubishi Estate Co plans more UK investments amid US uncertainties, diversifying from American markets.

£1.5 Billion Rescue Package Agreed to Keep Jaguar Land Rover Afloat After Cyberattack

Britain's largest car manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover, has secured a £1.5 billion rescue to maintain operations until Christmas following a crippling cyberattack that has halted production for nearly a month.

Liverpool Tech Startup Boom

Liverpool sees surge in tech startups in 2025, with £100m in investments fueling job growth.

Business News: Porsche, HSBC, Vodafone, and More

A roundup of today's business news, featuring Porsche's struggles, HSBC becoming the UK's most valuable company, and a new deal for Vodafone-Three.

UK Business News: Porsche, BMW, Vodafone, and More

A collection of recent UK business news, including financial struggles for major companies, new investment deals, and warnings about AI adoption.

Norwich High Street Revival

Norwich launches £10m plan to revitalize high street with pop-up shops and cultural events.

Audi Celebrates 60 Years and Introduces New Naming Convention

Audi is marking its 60th anniversary by simplifying its model naming system and launching a new electric vehicle, the A6 Sportback e-tron.

Bank of England Holds Rates

BoE poised to slow QT, leave rates unchanged; stocks rise post-Fed cut.

Federal Reserve Changes Interest Rates

Fed adjusts interest rates for first time in 2025, impacting economy amid inflation concerns.

Northern Ireland Economic Inactivity Rise

Northern Ireland's working-age economic inactivity rises to 26.5%, with more young people out of work or education.

showbiz sport money travel garden news tech health science business politics culture environment