WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, and Iceland are closing stores in February due to economic challenges. Here’s the full list of affected locations.
London: WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, and Iceland are closing some stores in February. The high street is struggling due to the cost of living crisis and economic issues.
Visitor numbers are down, and costs are rising. Many retailers are making tough choices, leading to store closures.
Sainsbury’s
The Sainsbury’s in Stamford Hill, London, will close on February 1. This store has been around for 14 years but is shutting down for redevelopment.
A Sainsbury’s representative said they informed staff about the closure. The store will stay open until February 1, allowing staff to serve the community.
Iceland
Iceland will close its Welling branch in London on February 1. The reason for this closure hasn’t been shared yet.
Iceland is working to reassign affected staff to other locations. An Iceland spokesperson confirmed the closure and mentioned staff consultations.
WHSmith
WHSmith plans to close four shops in February, focusing more on travel locations. They expect to close 500 high street outlets, risking 5,000 jobs.
One WHSmith store in Basingstoke will close on February 1. Other locations in Winton, Rhyl, and Bolton will close on February 15.
Hollister
Hollister will close its Union Square branch in Aberdeen in February, but the exact date is not confirmed. They have been in Scotland since 2010.
Abercrombie and Fitch stated they are looking for new store opportunities in the UK, including Aberdeen, to keep serving customers.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, store closures are expected to rise this year. The number could reach 17,349, up from 13,479 in 2024, mainly due to increased costs.
