Huge high street fashion chain shutting 6 more stores this weekend

It comes as part of a major restructure aimed at cutting costs. The clothing company’s decision follows a £32.3 million pre-tax loss last year after sales fell 19%. Nine stores have already closed, with the likes of Wrexham, Aylesbury and Lisburn’s shutting for good this past weekend.

Now, six more stores are set to follow suit on Saturday, 24 January. River Island stores in St Helens, Hartlepool and Northwich are affected by the next phase in the closures.

River Island’s CEO, Ben Lewis, said: “We have a clear transformation strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the business, and this decision gives us a strong platform to deliver this.

“Recent improvements in our fashion offer and shopping experience are starting to show results, and the restructuring plan will enable us to align our store estate to our customers’ needs.

“We are grateful to our suppliers, landlords and other stakeholders for their constructive engagement and shared confidence in River Island’s future.”

Six stores are set to close their doors for good this Saturday, adding to the number of closed down shops. River Island’s in Aylesbury, Burton upon Trent, Leeds Birstall Park. Lisburn, Perth, Surrey Quays, Sutton Coldfield, Taunton and Wrexham shut on Sunday, 18 January.

A further 12 River Island branches will shut on Saturday, 31 January. These include Oxford, Gloucester, Grimsby and Rochdale.