Numerous well-known retail establishments on the high street are in the process of shutting down their outlets across the United Kingdom. Notable banking and retail branches associated with popular brands like Halifax and House of Fraser are among those affected, following recent announcements this week.
The closures span various industries, including pubs, banks, and restaurants. A total of 147 locations from different companies have been confirmed to either close or have already ceased operations this week. Below is the comprehensive list of affected shops and venues.
NatWest, Santander, Halifax, and Lloyds are all set to close branches by the end of May, with a total of 89 branches being shut down. Banks have reassured customers that they can still access services through apps and official websites. Moreover, some face-to-face banking services will be provided through Post Offices.
Innis & Gunn, a well-known Scottish brewer, will be ceasing operations after parts of the business were sold off to C&C Group, the owner of Tennent’s Lager, for approximately £4.5 million. This deal includes the brand name and intellectual property, while the Perth brewery and taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh will be closing due to declining sales and escalating costs.
Around 100 positions have reportedly been cut as a result, with Administrators attributing the closure to a combination of factors, including reduced consumer spending and increased cost pressures. BrewDog has also announced the closure of 38 of its establishments, leading to 484 job redundancies, despite being acquired by US company Tilray Brands for £33 million.
Tings N Wings, a popular food chain with three eateries in England, has entered voluntary liquidation, as confirmed by a notice in The London Gazette. The company has outlets in St Albans, Stevenage, and Clacton-on-Sea. Additionally, King Foods, established in 1994 and based in Aberdeen, has gone into administration, resulting in over 40 job losses.
Beauty Bay, a major beauty retailer based in Manchester, was recently acquired by French-owned AA Investments Group after facing financial difficulties. All 62 Beauty Bay staff members will transition to the new owners. House of Fraser in Darlington closed its doors permanently after more than a century of operation, while Pagazzi Lighting, a lighting and homeware retailer with nearly 45 years of history, has gone into administration, leading to the closure of 11 outlets in Scotland and northern England.