A number of retailers and businesses are set to close all or some of its branches
Over the past two decades, the UK high street has changed significantly due to online shopping, evolving consumer habits, and rising operating costs. Traditional retailers, such as clothing, hardware and electronics stores, occupy a smaller share of many high streets than they once did.
In their place, you’ll often find takeaways, hairdressers, beauty salons, gyms, charity shops and convenience stores. These businesses offer services that can’t easily be replaced by e-commerce. However, some businesses are facing hardship more than others and are struggling to stay afloat.
We have listed a number of companies across the UK that have announced this week that they are set to shut shop, including clothing and hardware stores and charity shops.
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation revealed in June that it is planning to cease operations at around 150 of its locations over the next two years, as part of changes across its retail estate of around 640 UK branches.
British Heart Foundation chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said: “Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK.”
She added: “Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment.”
Under the proposals, 90 branches are expected to close by March 2027, with the remaining closures to follow by March 2028.
You can view the full list of 87 British Heart Foundation branches closing here.
Card Centre
This is a family-run business with more than 150 UK shops, and it has announced another store closure.
Card Centre, which was acquired by family empire Cardzone, is set to close its Newport branch as it continues to axe stores from its estate.
The branch has since launched a closing-down sale offering customers 20% off all remaining stock. However, its final day of trading has not yet been confirmed.
Cardzone, founded in 2004 by Paul Taylor, acquired Card Centre in 2014 as part of a deal involving 14 stores across Wales, before expanding the brand into Northern Ireland.
Since 2023, the company has closed down several stores, including in Beeston, Blackpool, Chesterfield, King’s Lynn, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Reigate, Scunthorpe and Stroud.
Topps Tiles
The UK flooring and tiles chain has launched a closing-down sale at a Greater London branch – the latest site to close amid two dozen planned closures.
Tiling specialist Topps Tiles will close its Cheam store on August 7, and locals have reported seeing “everything must go” signs in the store’s window.
The Cheam site is one of 23 branches that the tiling store said it planned to close.
In April, Topps Tiles bosses said they would shut the stores as part of “significant self-help measures”.
Eight stores have already shut, and the remaining 15 are planned to close over the coming six months.
Topps Tiles chief executive Alex Jensen said at the time: “In light of subdued consumer sentiment and geopolitical uncertainty as well as the cumulative impact of cost inflation, the management team is implementing a targeted programme of self-help measures weighted towards the second half.”
Peacocks
The UK fashion chain has confirmed the closure of another store after more than 20 years in business. The news has heightened the concerns of local residents who fear for the future of their high street.
The Peacocks store in Pontypool, Wales, will shut for good on Wednesday, August 19.
The fashion chain, which operates around 350 stores across the nation, continues to close individual branches due to lease expirations and declining high-street footfall.
The site in Pontypool will now close, leaving shoppers to travel five miles to their nearest Peacocks store in the Cwmbran Shopping Centre.
A spokesperson for Peacocks told South Wales Argus: “After more than 20 years in Pontypool, the decision was not taken lightly, and we would like to thank our customers and the local community for their support over the years.
“We are currently consulting with colleagues regarding the closure and are supporting them through the process. We are not able to comment on the future plans for the building, as this is a matter for the landlord and/or new owner.
“While we do not have any immediate plans to return to Pontypool, we would not rule out the possibility of Peacocks returning to the area in the future should a suitable opportunity arise.”
Merrie England
A beloved café chain has announced its immediate closure after six decades of serving communities. The well-known coffee shop and café chain confirmed it has been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to close all its outlets with immediate effect, with staff reportedly informed on Monday evening.
Merrie England operates seven branches across West Yorkshire, with its New Hey Road location in Oakes, Huddersfield, among the most cherished. Further outlets in Halifax and Brighouse have also been serving loyal customers hot and cold sandwiches, soups and cakes for years.
In a post on Facebook, the company said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Merrie England. After 60 years, this has been an incredibly difficult decision, and our thoughts are especially with the teams across our seven shops who have lost their jobs.
“We know people may have strong feelings, but we kindly ask that comments are kept respectful. There are real people, families, staff, customers and suppliers affected by this news.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported Merrie England over the years. Your loyalty and kindness have meant so much.”
Vale Veterinary Centre
A veterinary practice has announced the abrupt closure of all three of its locations. Vale Veterinary Centre, which describes itself on its website as a “family-run” practice, has confirmed it ceased trading as of Monday, July 27.
Its three branches – in Barry, Cardiff, and Newport – have shut with immediate effect, and all forthcoming appointments have been cancelled. According to posts on the Vale Veterinary Centre Facebook page, the Barry branch had already been closed since July 13 and was set to remain shut until August.
A post earlier in the month advertised a locum vet position at the Barry site.
Vale Veterinary Centre describes itself on its website as “one of the last independent vet centres in South Wales”.
The full post read: “Unfortunately, as of July 27, 2026, Vale Veterinary Centre has now ceased trading as a veterinary practice.
“All future appointments are cancelled. We can send patient histories to local practices on request. We ask that you respect our staff at this difficult time.”
