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People across the UK will continue to witness waves of shop closures, as numerous major retailers prepare to shut branches nationwide next month. Amid the widespread closures, customers can capitalise on the various closing-down sales currently underway. Many of the cuts stem from high street retailers entering administration and rising operational costs. Poundland , New Look , Claire's, and Wetherspoon are among the recognisable names reducing their store portfolios. The discount retailer has trimmed its store count as part of a significant restructuring scheme given approval in August. It follows a month-on-month trend of many iconic high-street stores closing locations up and down the country. For a full breakdown of all the major closures taking place in November, see below. Poundland, which operated 800 outlets before the process began, will slash numbers to between 650 and 700 locations. Recent months have already witnessed numerous closures, but now, on November 14, its Sidcup branch will also be added to the list, according to a report from the Sun . Prior to the closure dates, shoppers can benefit from various offers, as the retailer provides items with discounts of up to 40%, with reduced prices continuing until stock is cleared, reports the Express . The fashion retailer is preparing to shut a further 11 outlets before year-end. While not all locations have been revealed, the company has confirmed that a branch in Lewes, Sussex, will close permanently next month. A New Look spokesperson commented: "Our store in Lewes is set to close on November 8. "We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years. We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found." The chain has announced plans to close approximately 100 stores due to various factors, including the rise in National Insurance. Since the beginning of 2025, nine stores have already been closed. Claire's is set to close 145 of its stores following the company's fall into administration in September. The exact closure dates are yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated that many will shut towards the end of November and throughout December. The accessories brand has initiated final clearance sales across its closing stores, offering discounts of up to 30%. Shoppers in Falmouth, Cornwall, have only a few weeks left to visit the popular surf shop before it closes its doors on Sunday, November 9. A notice displayed in the store reads: "After many wonderful years, we're sadly closing our Falmouth store. We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our amazing customers for their loyalty and support over the years. "It's been a privilege to be part of this community, and we're especially thankful to our fabulous Falmouth team for all their dedication and hard work." Ann's Cottage was established in 1978 by Rob and Beverly Harris and took its name from the premises it occupied. Just seven store locations remain across the UK, with this latest planned closure following mere months after the chain shut its Wadebridge branch. Quality Discount is permanently shutting its Norwich outlet due to redevelopment works and insufficient parking facilities in the vicinity. The shop, which initially operated from Anglia Square before relocating to Magdalen Street, was the original Quality Discount outlet prior to the brand's expansion to over 50 stores across the country. A QD spokesman commented: "This is an incredibly sad day for everyone connected with QD. Norwich isn't just another city to us, it's where our story began, where we built our name and where generations of families have shopped with us for years. We've always felt part of the community, and it's heartbreaking to say goodbye for now." The announcement comes after numerous difficulties linked to the continuing development of Anglia Square. The spokesman continued: "We recognise that the redevelopment will eventually transform this part of Norwich into a vibrant new destination and we look forward to seeing that vision realised. "Unfortunately, during this transition period, the reduction in accessibility and parking has made it impossible for us to trade effectively." Pubs have also felt the impact of high street difficulties, with Wetherspoon preparing to close establishments nationwide. The Water Gate in Barnstaple, Devon, is set to close its doors on November 9, while Baxter's Court in Hackney, London, will cease operations just a week earlier. The news has left regulars of the London pub heartbroken, with one patron describing the decision as "utterly ridiculous", lamenting that the area is "hardly blessed with many Spoons to begin with." Another expressed their disappointment, saying: "What a shame. [I] used to go there loads in college, loved the 'roof terrace' upstairs." These two establishments, along with The Babington Arms in Derby, Kentish Drovers in Peckham, The Grey Friar in Preston, and The William Jameson in Sunderland, were listed for sale by Wetherspoon back in June. They will continue to operate as Spoons until they find new owners. In a separate development, Wetherspoon has entered into a new franchise agreement with The Papas Group, a family-run business. As part of this deal, 15 new pubs are set to open, including one at Gateway Park, Lincoln.
