Retail store closes another location on the main street, following 12 previous shutdowns - find out which stores are affected
Retail parks are growing in popularity with shoppers, largely due to the convenience of easy, free parking. However, the retail landscape is undergoing significant changes, with numerous store closures across the UK.
One of the latest retailers to announce store closures is New Look. The fashion retailer has confirmed that its store in Hamilton, Scotland will close on July 1, causing disappointment among locals. This closure is part of a larger trend, as New Look has already shuttered 12 sites this year and will also close its store in Scarborough, North Yorkshire on September 17, 2025.
The reasons for these closures are multifaceted. Structural decline in inner-city non-food retail, intensified by pandemic-related forced closures, has played a significant role. Major department store insolvencies, such as GaleriaKarstadtKaufhof, have also led to numerous store shutdowns, negatively affecting the attractiveness of adjacent retail areas. Additionally, broader challenges from changing retail environments and consumer behavior shifts have contributed to the closure of 17,350 retail sites this year, according to the Centre for Retail Research (CRR).
New Look is not the only retailer experiencing these challenges. Many others, including Next and Marks & Spencer, are shutting stores on the high street and moving to bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. What's increasingly common is when a chain goes bust, a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights to sell the brand online.
Despite these challenges, New Look continues to invest in its existing store estate and looks for appropriate new opportunities across the country. However, the retailer has no plans to relocate the Scarborough store.
The British Retail Consortium predicts that the Treasury's hike to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from April 2025, will cost the retail sector £2.3 billion. This increase, coupled with the minimum wage rising to £12.21 an hour from April and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 rising to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40, will undoubtedly put further pressure on retailers.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, it's clear that adaptability and resilience will be key to survival. For now, locals in Hamilton and Scarborough will have to say goodbye to their local New Look stores.
