Poundland, New Look, Claire’s, and Wetherspoon are among the stores closing next month
UK residents are set to see a wave of shop closures as several major retailers gear up to shut branches across the country next month. Amidst these widespread closures, savvy shoppers can take advantage of numerous closing-down sales currently in progress.
The cuts are largely due to high street retailers going into administration and escalating operational costs. Poundland, New Look, Claire’s, and Wetherspoon are among the familiar names downsizing their store portfolios. The discount retailer has reduced its number of stores as part of a significant restructuring plan approved in August.
This follows a trend of many iconic high-street stores shutting locations nationwide on a monthly basis. For a comprehensive rundown of all the major closures happening in November, see below.
Poundland
Poundland, which had 800 outlets before the process started, will cut numbers to between 650 and 700 locations. Recent months have already seen numerous closures, but now, on November 14, its Sidcup branch will also join the list, according to a report from the Sun. The chain also confirmed that 30 in total will be lost between October and November.
Before the closure dates, shoppers can enjoy various offers, as the retailer is offering items with discounts of up to 40%, with reduced prices continuing until stock is cleared, reports The Express.
New Look
The fashion retailer is gearing up to close an additional 11 stores before the year’s end. While not all locations have been disclosed, the company has confirmed that a branch in Lewes, Sussex, will permanently shut its doors next month.
A spokesperson for New Look stated: “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 unveiled plans to close roughly 100 stores due to various factors, including the rise in National Insurance. Since the start of 2025, nine stores have already been shuttered.
Claire’s
Claire’s is poised to close 145 of its stores following the company’s plunge into administration in September. The exact closure dates are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that many will close towards the end of November and throughout December.
The accessories brand has kicked off final clearance sales across its closing stores, offering discounts of up to 30%.
Ann’s Cottage
Shoppers in Falmouth, Cornwall, have only a few weeks left to visit the popular surf shop before it shuts 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, founded in 1978 by Rob and Beverly Harris, is set to close another store, leaving just seven locations across the UK. This comes only months after the closure of its Wadebridge branch.
Quality Discount
Quality Discount, a popular discount store, has announced the permanent closure of its Norwich outlet due to redevelopment works and lack of parking facilities nearby. The store, which originally opened in Anglia Square before moving to Magdalen Street, was the first Quality Discount outlet before the brand expanded to over 50 stores nationwide.
A spokesperson for QD said: “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 closure follows numerous challenges related to the ongoing development of Anglia Square. The spokesperson added: “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.”
Wetherspoon
Boozers have also suffered from high street struggles, with Wetherspoon gearing up to shutter venues across the nation. The Water Gate in Barnstaple, Devon, is poised to shut on November 9, whilst Baxter’s Court in Hackney, London, will halt trading just a week beforehand.
The announcement has devastated loyal customers of the London establishment, with one drinker branding the move “utterly ridiculous”, bemoaning that the locality is “hardly blessed with many Spoons to begin with.”
Another voiced their dismay, stating: “What a shame. [I] used to go there loads in college, loved the ‘roof terrace’ upstairs.”
These two venues, alongside The Babington Arms in Derby, Kentish Drovers in Peckham, The Grey Friar in Preston, and The William Jameson in Sunderland, were put up for sale by Wetherspoon back in June. They will remain operational as Spoons until new proprietors are secured.
In a distinct move, Wetherspoon has struck a fresh franchise deal with The Papas Group, a family-owned enterprise. Under this arrangement, 15 fresh pubs are planned to launch, including one at Gateway Park, Lincoln.