Britain’s high streets grapple with rising costs, declining footfall, and a surge in online shopping, forcing several retailers to shut down. The challenges persist into 2026, as multiple companies file for administration. Key brands face store closures and significant job losses. Below is a detailed overview of the affected retailers, including impacted locations and employment risks.
Claire’s Accessories
Claire’s Accessories entered administration in January 2026, placing over 1,000 high street jobs in jeopardy. Owners Modella Capital appointed Philip Dakin, Benjamin Wiles, and Janet Burt of Kroll Advisory Ltd as joint administrators of CAUKI Ltd on January 26. The administrators confirmed the company continues trading during this period.
The Original Factory Shop
Modella Capital also placed The Original Factory Shop, a discount retailer it acquired last year, into administration after a dismal Christmas trading period. Factors include weak consumer confidence, unfavorable government fiscal policies, and relentless cost inflation. Modella Capital highlighted how these pressures severely impact established businesses.
Quiz
Quiz filed for administration this week, leading to 109 job losses. The chain’s 40 stores and seven concessions in Ireland remain operational, with clearance sales now underway. Alistair McAlinden, joint administrator and head of Interpath in Scotland, stated: “With Quiz, the latest retailer to fall into administration, there’s no doubt it’s been a tough start to 2026 for the UK High Street. It’s our intention to continue to trade all stores and the concessions in Ireland as a going concern for as long as we can while we assess options for the business.”
GAME
GAME, the video game retailer, plans to close all standalone stores as its director steps down. The closures affect locations in Dudley, Lancaster, and Sutton. Concession outlets will continue operating while GAME scales back its physical high street presence.
Skincare and Beauty Retailer
A skincare and beauty brand slipped into administration last month, opting to close all UK stores and offices while pursuing wholesale partnerships. The seven affected branches are in Islington, Canary Wharf, Soho, Battersea, Seven Dials, Spitalfields, and Borough Yards. Online orders have ceased.
