The UK high street is undergoing a profound transformation, with a wave of store closures in 2025 highlighting the struggles of traditional retail businesses. Many well-established brands are shutting down stores due to rising operational costs, shifting consumer preferences, and economic challenges.

Once the heartbeat of local communities, high streets across the UK have suffered from declining foot traffic and changing shopping habits. With online retailers offering convenience, competitive pricing, and fast delivery, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are finding it increasingly difficult to compete.

The challenges faced by high street retailers are not new, but they have intensified in recent years due to external economic pressures. Inflation, increased business rates, and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many retailers with no option but to close stores.

In March 2025, multiple fashion brands, department stores, home improvement retailers, and independent shops will shut down permanently. These closures impact both consumers and local economies, as they lead to job losses, vacant commercial properties, and a decline in town center activity.

This article explores the major closures happening in March 2025, the underlying causes, and what the future holds for the UK high street.

The Struggles Of UK Retailers

Traditional retailers have been fighting an uphill battle against the rise of e-commerce, economic downturns, and changing consumer habits for years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online shopping trends, and even as restrictions lifted, many consumers continued to prefer digital platforms over physical stores.

Several factors have contributed to the decline of the UK high street, including:

• The Rise Of Online Shopping – Digital retail giants like Amazon, Shein, and ASOS dominate the market, offering competitive pricing and convenient home delivery.
• High Business Rates And Rent Costs – Many retailers struggle with excessive rental fees and taxes, making it harder to sustain profits.
• Inflation And Rising Costs – Increased energy prices, staff wages, and supply chain disruptions have raised operational expenses.
• Changing Shopping Behavior – Consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, speed, and discounts, which favor online shopping.

Big-name retailers like Debenhams, Arcadia Group, and House of Fraser have already faced bankruptcy or restructuring. Now, 2025 is proving to be another difficult year for high street businesses, with more closures happening every month.

Fashion Retailers Struggling To Survive

Select Fashion Is Closing 35 Stores In March

Select Fashion, a well-known retailer specializing in affordable women’s clothing, has confirmed that 35 stores will close by mid-March. The company has entered a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to manage its financial difficulties.

Some of the locations affected include:

• Southampton
• Hatfield
• Wolverhampton

Following these closures, only 48 Select Fashion stores will remain open across the UK. This downsizing highlights the difficulty that fashion retailers face in competing with fast-fashion brands such as Shein, Boohoo, and ASOS, which dominate the online market.

New Look Is Reducing Its Presence In The UK And Ireland

Fashion retailer New Look is withdrawing from Ireland, leading to the closure of 26 stores and nearly 350 job losses. In the UK, four more stores are set to shut down in 2025, including the St Austell, Cornwall store, which will close on March 4.

New Look has faced financial challenges for several years. Despite multiple restructuring attempts, the retailer continues to struggle with rising rents, inflation, and online competition.

WHSmith Is Closing 17 High Street Stores

WHSmith, one of the UK’s most recognizable retailers, has confirmed that 17 high street stores will close between January and May 2025.

The Accrington, Lancashire branch is among those shutting down, with its final day of operation scheduled for March 15. The company has stated that the decision is based on lease expirations and the need for restructuring.

WHSmith has been shifting focus towards travel-based retail, particularly in airports and train stations, where foot traffic remains high. There is speculation that the company may eventually sell its entire high street division to concentrate solely on its more profitable travel operations.

The Decline of Home and Department Stores

Homebase Is Shutting More Stores After Entering Administration

Homebase, a major home improvement retailer, went into administration in November 2024, resulting in several store closures.

• 13 locations closed in January 2025
• More closures are expected throughout the year

The company has struggled to compete with larger home improvement retailers like B&Q and Wickes, as well as online retailers that offer delivery services and competitive pricing.

Beales Is Closing Its Last Remaining Store

Beales, a department store chain that was established in 1881, has confirmed that its last remaining store in Poole will shut down by May 2025.

This marks the end of an era for the historic retailer, which has faced declining sales, rising costs, and stiff competition from online and discount department stores.

Independent Shops And Specialty Retailers Closing

Simply Baby Is Closing After 20 Years

Simply Baby, a well-known independent baby goods shop in Lancaster, will close at the end of March 2025 after 20 years in business.

While the owner has cited retirement as the main reason for closing, the challenges of running an independent retail business in a declining high street environment have also played a role.

Giddy Goat Toys Is Closing In Didsbury, Manchester

The beloved independent toy shop Giddy Goat Toys is closing on March 16, 2025.

To clear its stock before shutting down, the store is offering:

• 25% discounts on all products both in-store and online

Independent retailers have struggled to compete with larger chains like Amazon, Smyths Toys, and The Entertainer, which offer lower prices and greater convenience.

Budget Retailers Facing Financial Pressure

Poundland Is At Risk Of Being Sold

Poundland, one of the UK’s largest discount retailers, is at risk of being sold by its parent company, Pepco Group.

The chain has struggled with:

• Rising operational costs due to new tax policies
• Increased competition from B&M and Home Bargains
• Slower sales growth in 2024 and 2025

A sale could lead to mass store closures and significant job losses across the country.

What Is Next For The UK High Street?

Factors Contributing To The Decline

The UK high street is in decline due to several factors:

• High Business Rates And Rent – Many retailers cannot afford the high costs of operating in town centers.
• Rise Of E-Commerce – More consumers prefer online shopping for its convenience and lower prices.
• Economic Uncertainty – Inflation and changing government policies are impacting consumer spending.
• Shift In Consumer Behavior – Many shoppers now prefer retail parks, travel hubs, and supermarkets over traditional high streets.

Possible Solutions For Revitalization

To prevent further decline, potential solutions include:

1. Government Support – Reducing business rates and providing incentives for retailers.
2. Focus On Experiences – Transforming high streets into social spaces with cafes, entertainment, and events.
3. Investment In Local Businesses – Encouraging independent retailers and pop-up shops to attract foot traffic.

Conclusion

March 2025 is shaping up to be another challenging month for the UK high street. With major closures across the country, retailers are struggling to survive in a rapidly changing retail landscape.

While e-commerce dominates, there is still hope for physical retail, provided businesses adapt to modern trends and government support is available. The future of high streets will depend on innovation, strategic restructuring, and evolving consumer demand.

For now, however, the decline of UK high streets continues, with more store closures expected throughout the year.

---

Learn What I’m Using To Build Online Passive Income Streams By Clicking Here

I do not provide personal investment or financial advice and I am not a qualified licensed investment advisor. I am documenting my online investment and financial journey and what’s working for me. Click Here to read disclaimer.

---

Read All My Blog Posts

---

Subscribe To My Newsletter And Get Inspired To Transform Your Life For The Better

“I may earn commissions as an affiliate from sponsored links within this post”