All the independent stores that are closing for good this year and the heartbreaking reasons why
INDEPENDENT shops on high streets are closing at a rapid rate.
Last year the UK lost 37 shops a day, with 13,500 closing for good in 2024, a rise of 28% on 2023, according to the Centre for Retail Research.
The pace is expected to stay the same in 2025, with an estimated 17,350 closures and it they expect the vast majority – some 14,660 – to be independent retailers.
There are myriad reasons as to why a shop might decide to shut – for example, the owner may simply retire or the lease for the plot might end.
But one of the common themes among many independent retailers is that conditions on the high street are too tough to keep trading.
Since the pandemic, the number of people spending on the high street has declined, with more people switching to online shopping or cheaper brands.
This has aligned with energy prices soaring, particularly for businesses, while rents have also surged over the past few years.
And many chains have been closing branches on high streets to cut costs, which is making them less attractive to shoppers, resulting in even less footfall for independent stores.
Plus, the changes in the Budget last year by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on putting national insurance rises onto employers has added even further pain.
While many big chains close down locations in favour of more popular retail parks with higher footfall
Here are all the independent shops that have announced they are shutting for good so far this year and all the reasons they gave.
Kong, Coventry, closed in January
Independent clothes store Kong, hailed “the best shop in the city”, abruptly closed down last month after 37 years.
Kong was known for selling top street wear brands and boasted a loyal following in Coventry.
The closure came as a surprise to many after the team confirmed the news on December 31 in a statement online that said they had “mixed emotions”.
Partridges, Chelsea, closed February 2
Iconic grocery store Partridges, beloved by local A-list celebrities in Chelsea, London, has closed for good after 53 years.
The store is known for its gourmet items and international products, and the many high-profile shoppers who have walked through their doors.
The business is transferring out of Chelsea and into nearby Kensington, on Gloucester Road because a local property manager is taking over the space.
In an emotional social media post, owner John Shepherd said: “Although the Chelsea chapter is sadly coming to an end we are looking forward in the future to building Partridges in smaller and more sustainable shop formats across London.”
Expressions, Devizes, Wiltshire – closed January 25
Boutique card shop Expressions in the market town of Devizes, Wiltshire, closed last month, becoming yet another casualty of the UK’s struggling high streets.
The store now stands empty with just sign in the window that reads: “Now closed. Thank you for all your support and custom over the years.”
The independent store has a five star Google rating with hundreds of positive reviews from local shoppers.
One local posted on social media: ““I always use expressions for my cards as they’re always so beautiful. Absolutely gutted to see they’re closing down.”
Top Town Market, Grimsby – this weekend
Top Town Market in Grimsby is being demolished to make way for a new entertainment unit with a cinema as part of a new local leisure scheme.
Locals have called it “the end of an era” as the market, which has been a staple of the town for over half a century, closes for good today.
Staff member Sue told Grimsby Live: “I’ve been here 30 odd years on and off and I’ll miss the customers so much.”
Once the longstanding market stalls have been demolished, a new cinema and other entertainment features will take its place.
A spokesperson from North East Lincolnshire Council said:” The council is talking separately with the stand holders and cafés about other suitable spaces in the town centre, which can accommodate their needs.”
Jolly’s, Bath – February 22
Jolly’s, a flagship department store in Bath, is set to close on February 22.
The store has stood up since 1823 and is one of Europe‘s oldest department stores.
A closing down sign has been posted in the windows of the huge building stating that all stock must go.
The store, while independent, is owned by Frasers Group, which announced it would shutter the store despite plans by the council to secure a future for it.
“The council was unaware of the intention of the current occupier to put up the notices which have appeared in the windows of the store,” it said in a statement.
“While plans are at an advanced stage with a third party occupier, the council is not in a position to make a formal statement at this time in relation to its proposals for the future of one of Bath’s most important department stores.”
Vintage Co, Baldock – February 28
After eight years in business, Vintage Co on Baldock High Street in Hertfordshire will close for good on February 28.
Owner Bronagh Hughes, 57, said the furniture store will shut because of a decline in business and said she’s now reached the point where she “simply cannot make it work”.
Ms Hughes also blamed “health issues” for adding to the decision.
She plans to continue running smaller projects and operating via social media.
Matthews Shoes, New Milton – February
Family-run store Matthews Shoes has announced it will close a site for good in February after more than 30 years on the high street.
The shop in Station Road, New Milton – around six miles from Christchurch – will close, while another branch on Christchurch high street will remain open.
The store has launched a sale ahead of the closure.
A spokesman from the business said: “Our New Milton branch will be closing in February 2025.
“We’d like to thank all our customers for your loyalty over the years and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Sandersons, Sheffield – March
Sandersons, located in the Fox Valley shopping complex in Sheffield, will close in March following a review of the business.
The family-run store, which first opened in 2016 on the site of a former steelworks, was unveiled with fanfare by actress Joanna Lumley, but is now due to close.
In a heartfelt statement, Sandersons said: “We are sorry to tell you that our Fox Valley store will close in March.
“We’ve loved being part of the community here and look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks.
“We have seen significant growth in our online business, and our unique range of brands will continue to be available to all our customers.
“We’ll also be introducing some great deals across our top brands in the closing down sale.”
The company said it would assist staff impacted by the closure to secure new positions.
Warwicks, Wellingborough – June 2025
Iconic suit shop Warwicks, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, is closing down this summer after more than a century on the high street.
The shop, which opened in 1868, has been up for sale for over a year but has failed to find a buyer.
If no one takes over the business before June this year, it will close for good as owner Neil Warwick has decided to retire.
However, it has launched a huge closing down sale with remaining stock up for grabs at a 50% discount.
Gardiner Haskins, Cirencester – unconfirmed
Homeware store Gardiner Haskins in Cirencester is closing after 45 years after owners said it had become “unviable” to run.
The store, which calls itself Cirencester’s “largest independent home centre”, has sponsored the local football club and is considered a key part of the community.
It is not yet confirmed when it will shut, but the store reassured customers it will fulfil all orders before closing.
Managing Director Ben Allen said: “This is sad news for our staff and the community we have served for over 45 years.
“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers for their support.”
Stubley’s Furniture, Telford – unconfirmed
Stubley’s Furniture, near Telford in Shropshire, is closing down after 40 years.
The date is not yet confirmed, but for sale signs are up at the property and the owner has confirmed it is due to close.
Owner Mark Stubley said in a post on social media: “The time has come to close our doors. Owning the business and working here in Wellington has always been an absolute privilege, but now is the time for retirement.
“I would like to thank you all for your loyalty, support and custom over the years. It has really been appreciated.
“Please be assured that the commitment to providing you with the best service is still our absolute priority. Do call in to “Stubley’s” and see our stock for a bargain!”
Why are so many retailers shutting shops?
EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.
The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.
In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.
Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open.
In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.
The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.