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UK retailers face closures and losses amid high street challenges

Economy & businessEconomy
UK retailers face closures and losses amid high street challenges
Key Points
  • River Island closed 32 stores and reported a £32.3 million loss amid restructuring.
  • Krafft Jewellers is closing its only physical store after over 50 years due to market pressures.
  • C W Sellors was rescued from administration, preserving 46 jobs across ten stores.

3 million pre-tax loss. ' Krafft Jewellers is closing its Chelmsford store on March 31, 2026, ending over 50 years of trading at its only physical shop. The company stated it is closing due to a harder trading climate, online shopping, and increasing costs.

C W Sellors has been rescued after falling into administration earlier this year, safeguarding 46 jobs across its ten UK stores. ' Miramira's King's Lynn High Street store in Norfolk is closing on March 27, marking the end of the Spanish brand's first UK franchise. Darren and Catherine Mooney, owners of Miramira, said, 'After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to close our store.

The firm has a large portfolio of stores no longer aligned to our customers' needs.

Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island

' Retailers cite the rise of online shopping and escalating operating costs as broader challenges.

To all of our loyal and valued customers, I regret to inform you that after over 50 years of trading, Krafft Jewellers will be closing on March 31, 2026. This decision has not been easy, but the trading climate has become so much harder over the past few years. Unfortunately, the advance in online shopping and increasing costs has impacted so many high street businesses, ours included.

Krafft Jewellers, Company

Working in Duke St since 1987 has given me the opportunity to meet so many lovely people, many of whom have become friends. I would like to say thank you to all of our customers that have made my working life so enjoyable.

Krafft Jewellers, Company

The business has been experiencing challenging trading conditions, with rising overheads and lower demand for its high-end products.

Lee Causer, From business advisory firm BDO

After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to close our store. This hasn't been an easy choice, but we are so incredibly grateful for the support, loyalty and kindness our customers have shown us during our time here. Being part of this community has meant more than we can say. To everyone who has shopped with us, shared our posts, recommended us, or simply popped in for a browse - thank you.

Darren and Catherine Mooney, Owners of Miramira
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