River Island closes six Scottish stores after court approval

River Island advances its restructuring by closing six Scottish stores and securing rent relief for others.

River Island closes six Scottish stores under restructuring plan

River Island has won court approval to proceed with its restructuring plan, which will lead to the closure of 33 stores across the United Kingdom, including six in Scotland. The Scottish locations affected are Cumbernauld, Edinburgh Princes Street, Falkirk, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy and Perth. In addition to the closures, the plan secures reduced rents at 71 other stores as part of the strategy to stabilise finances. The company said it could not reverse a pattern of financial difficulty, and the restructuring is intended to prevent administration.

The plan comes as high street retailers face persistent pressure from shifting consumer habits and rising operating costs. River Island will continue trading while it reshapes its estate, a move that aims to protect the business in the near term but will likely affect employees, suppliers, and local communities where stores will close.

The Broad shift in the retail sector is clear. River Island’s strategy mirrors a broader trend where fashion chains trim the footprint to preserve cash while trying to maintain customer access. Court involvement adds legitimacy and speed to the process, but it does not guarantee a return to previous performance. The closures underscore the real estate challenge facing landlords and the risk of hollowed town centres if rents remain high. For workers and local economies, these changes carry immediate jobs risk even as shoppers migrate online. The next phase will test whether reduced rents can unlock renewed foot traffic and a leaner network that still serves brand value.

Highlights

Retail is changing fast and the response will shape the high street for years to come.