Major clothing retailer with 220 UK stores shuts huge branch today | UK | News
A national fashion and homewares retailer is completely closing one of its stores at South Lakeland Retail Park in Kendal, Cumbria, on Tuesday. The closure is the fourth Matalan UK branch to close this year, following previous closures in Carlisle, Colne and Leeds. The Carlisle and Colne stores closed on 7 March, while the Leeds store in The Core Shopping Center closed its doors for good on 24 February.
A Matalan spokesperson said: “Our store at South Lakeland Retail Park will close in April. Our priority now is to support our colleagues. We are working closely with everyone affected and exploring alternative positions where possible.”
Despite the closures, the retailer plans to renovate 40 of its stores in 2026. The fashion and homewares retailer has secured £25 million of funding from investors to accelerate these renovations and develop its digital presence, reporting a return to sales growth in early 2026.
A Matalan spokesperson previously said: “In the normal course of business, we close some stores from time to time while exploring opening opportunities in other locations.
“Our first priority is to support our colleagues and we are working closely with everyone affected. Customers can continue to shop our full range via our website and app or through our 220 Matalan stores across the UK.”
Matalan isn’t the only national retailer to close its doors. Lakeland Leather announced it will close its Kendal, Carlisle and Gretna stores at the end of February. The company described the move as a ‘difficult decision’ made due to the lease expiring.
A spokesman also said: “Like many retailers, we operate in an increasingly challenging trading environment where rising costs and reduced footfall continue to impact parts of the high street.”
Reacting to the news, Kendal Business Development Area Manager Peter Brendling said: “Kendal BID is saddened to see another national retailer closing its doors in Kendal.
“Particularly relevant in this space is that without branches, retailers are opening themselves up to much greater online competition.”
“While it’s no good having empty stores on the high street, Kendal is fortunate to have a strong community of independent retailers who offer great service and unique products.”
