By Chris Samuel,Stephanie Colderick

Copyright walesonline

A retail chain that has been a mainstay of UK high streets for decades is preparing to close 35 stores in the coming months, with one branch set to shut within days. River Island had previously confirmed that more than 30 outlets would be closing permanently as part of a restructuring scheme given the green light by the High Court. The fashion retailer has faced mounting financial difficulties in recent years, with its latest accounts showing a £33.2m full-year loss following a 19% drop in sales, according to BBC News. Under the proposals, the company is also in talks to secure rent reductions at 71 outlets. River Island had initially stated that 33 stores would close in January, but has since added its Southside shopping centre branch in Wandsworth, London, to the list of closures planned for early next year, reports the Express . Before that, a store in Omagh, Northern Ireland, shut on Monday, September 22, with an “everything must go” sale running up to the closure. Workers at the outlet posted a message on social media expressing gratitude to local customers for their loyalty. “Our landlord and River Island unfortunately couldn’t agree on the terms of a new lease,” the message stated. “So unfortunately the landlord has asked River Island to vacate the building. “As you can imagine the team are totally gutted especially at such a short turnaround. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful customers who have shopped with us for years! We know you will be sad to see us leave as well.” River Island has been approached for comment via email. F rom superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . The fashion retailer operates 207 stores across the UK as of March 28, 2025, according to ScrapeHero data. Speaking about the wave of closures announced up to that point in June, Chief Executive Ben Lewis remarked: “River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street. “However 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. The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.” He continued that the chain possesses a “clear strategy to transform the business to ensure its long-term viability”. “Recent improvements in our fashion offer and in-store shopping experience are already showing very positive results, but it is only with a restructuring plan that we will be able to see this strategy through and secure River Island’s future as a profitable retail business. “We regret any job losses as a result of store closures, and we will try to keep these to a minimum.” Complete list of 35 closures