Major retailers in the UK are set to close more sites by the end of October, continuing a trend that has seen 1,846 store closures and 23,982 job losses in the first half of 2024.

Boots, Cineworld, and Tesco are among the companies preparing to shut down several locations across the country. This wave of closures comes as retailers grapple with economic challenges and shifting consumer habits.

Despite the closures, some sites will be replaced by new branches as companies adapt their strategies to remain competitive in a changing retail landscape.

Boots announced plans last year to close 300 stores in the UK following a "difficult" year of sales.

The pharmacy giant has already shut 290 locations since 2023, with the remaining 10 expected to close in the coming weeks. However, these site locations have not been confirmed.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, the company's owner, stated: "Evolving the store estate in this way allows Boots to concentrate its team members where they are needed and focus investment more acutely in individual stores."

Boots will close more stores early this month

Here is a full list of the Boots stores that have already closed:

Cineworld recently announced plans to close six UK sites in the coming months as part of a major restructuring plan.

The affected locations include:

A spokesperson for Cineworld explained: "We are implementing a restructuring plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK."

This move comes as the cinema chain seeks to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences in the entertainment industry.

Retail expert Nick Drewe, founder of Wethrift, commented on the store closures: "The combined effects of COVID-19 and Brexit have placed significant strain on the UK retail sector. The ongoing cost of living crisis has led consumers to reduce spending on non-essentials, particularly luxury items."

High streets have been hit by a wave of store closures since the pandemic, on top of banks shutting down PA

The supermarket chain has announced the temporary closure of its superstore in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, from October 2024 to autumn 2025.

This closure is part of a renovation plan to refresh the store's appearance and customer experience.

A Tesco spokesperson stated: "Our superstore will reopen in autumn 2025 with a refreshed look and feel, which we're excited to share with customers."

Unlike the permanent closures affecting Boots and Cineworld, Tesco's move appears to be a strategic decision to invest in and modernise its existing retail space, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining its physical presence on the high street.