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River Island faces collapse as store closures are proposed

The company could shut down 33 stores if a crucial rescue deal is not approved.

July 24, 2025 at 07:00 AM
blur High street fashion giant 'faces collapse within weeks with 33 stores at risk'

River Island is in critical financial trouble, potentially leading to numerous store closures.

River Island faces major restructuring amid severe financial struggles

River Island, a prominent fashion retailer in the UK, is facing possible collapse within weeks without significant restructuring efforts. The company plans to close 33 stores and negotiate reduced rents on 71 more as part of its emergency strategy to stabilize finances. These changes may result in hundreds of job losses for its 5,500 employees. The plan, developed with the help of PwC, must receive approval from at least 75 percent of its creditors. If not approved, River Island may run out of cash by the end of August and be unable to continue trading.

Key Takeaways

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River Island plans to close 33 stores and renegotiate 71 more.
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Hundreds of jobs could be lost as part of the restructuring.
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The company's proposed plan must be approved by 75 percent of its creditors.
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Failure to secure the deal could lead to complete financial collapse by August.
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The retailer reported a £33.2 million loss in 2023 with sales down 19 percent.
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Retailers are increasingly pressured by online competition and rising business costs.

"River Island will not be able to continue trading as a going concern."

This stark warning underlines the severity of River Island's financial challenges.

"We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum."

The company's leadership acknowledges the potential impact on employees amid restructuring plans.

"This is family-run, they've just overstretched, and it's unfair that the landlords will struggle."

An insider's perspective on the reasons behind River Island's financial troubles.

"The well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers' needs."

CEO Ben Lewis explains the impact of changing consumer behavior on River Island's strategy.

The situation at River Island reflects broader trends in retail, particularly the ongoing shift from physical stores to online shopping. Many traditional high street retailers are struggling to adapt to changing consumer preferences and rising operational costs. As all eyes turn to the outcome of this restructuring plan, River Island serves as a case study of the challenges faced by family-run businesses in a competitive environment. The response from landlords and creditors will be pivotal in determining the retailer's future, as many see the fallout of this potential collapse.

Highlights

  • River Island's future hangs by a thread as store closures loom.
  • Hundreds of jobs at River Island could vanish amid financial turmoil.
  • The shift to online shopping is costing River Island dearly.
  • Can River Island save itself from the brink of collapse?

Potential financial crisis at River Island

The ongoing restructuring efforts raise concerns about significant job losses and industry repercussions. Resistance from creditors could lead to insolvency.

The outcome of River Island's restructuring will mark a critical moment for high street fashion.

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