River Island confirms closure of popular store in UK town in latest blow to high street | UK | News

River Island has confirmed the closure of another UK store. It comes as part of the fashion retailer’s wider restructuring plan aimed at keeping the business sustainable during tough economic times.

It has been confirmed that the store in Altrincham will close permanently in January 2026. The store, in the town’s popular Stamford Quarter, is one of 35 River Island locations across the UK to close. Meanwhile, it is stated that up to 71 stores are in danger of closing, depending on the outcome of negotiations with their landlords.

As reported by AltrinchamTodayA joint spokesman for Bruntwood and Trafford Council said: “In line with national store closures, we can confirm that River Island will close its Stamford Quarter store from January 2026. We will issue further updates on who will move into the unit in due course.”

The vacant unit will be available for use immediately after closing. More announcements regarding future users are expected in the near future.

River Island employs around 5,500 people across 223 stores in the UK and Ireland. But the Supreme Court approved a restructuring plan in August aimed at saving the business from collapse.

Like many other cash-strapped retailers, River Island is struggling with rising operating costs and the rise of online shopping. The company’s latest accounts recorded a 19% drop in sales and an annual loss of £33.2 million.

Elsewhere in the UK, the River Island store in King Street, Great Yarmouth is also set to close. Signs appeared in store windows announcing closing sales with discounts of up to 30%

Ben Lewis, managing director of River Island, previously said: “River Island is a much-loved retailer with a decades-long history on the British high street.

“However, the documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that no longer suit the needs of our customers.”