River Island has announced a substantial restructuring plan due to ongoing losses linked to a shift in consumer behavior from physical stores to online shopping. By January 2026, River Island will close 33 out of its 230 stores and may face further closures depending on negotiations with landlords. The closures are a response to rising operational costs and changing customer needs. The company, which employs approximately 5,500 people, expressed regret over potential job losses and aims to minimize their impact.
River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street. However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers' needs.
We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum.
We are creating ghost towns, more empty shops and a deserted high street.
I used to love River Island, it was where you'd go for a night out outfit.
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