More than 2,000 retail positions face uncertainty after five household name retailers entered administration between January and early February 2026, with clearance sales already underway and store closures scheduled through spring.
The wave of insolvencies affects retailers employing workforces ranging from 109 to over 1,000 staff, with administrators warning that challenging trading conditions, high inflation and increased labour costs continue placing pressure on high street businesses.
Several chains entering administration in 2026 are experiencing repeat failures, highlighting persistent difficulties facing UK retail. Quiz clothing has collapsed for the third time in six years, whilst Claire’s accessories enters its second administration since 2021 and gaming retailer Game faces its second insolvency since 2012.
The Original Factory Shop presents the largest immediate threat to employment, with more than 1,000 jobs at risk following its 28 January administration. Interpath Advisory administrators cited challenging trading conditions, high inflation, increased labour costs from government regulations and declining consumer confidence as factors in the collapse.
LK Bennett, the fashion brand favoured by Princess Kate, is closing all standalone stores after entering administration in February 2026. Investment firm Gordon Brothers acquired the brand but excluded physical locations from the deal. Nine standalone shops and 13 department store concessions will operate for up to three months before probable closure by April 2026.
Game confirmed plans to shut its last remaining standalone stores after submitting a notice of appointment of administrators in late January. The gaming retailer’s high street presence has steadily diminished over the past decade, making standalone locations increasingly rare.
Claire’s faces potential closure of approximately 150 stores employing 1,000 individuals just four months after being rescued from previous administration. Administrators Kroll manage the insolvency of UK and Ireland operations whilst stores continue trading.
Quiz clothing, established in 1993, disappointed with Christmas season sales leading to its third administration. The chain’s 40 stores and seven concessions remain open conducting clearance sales, though refunds are not being processed and the online store has closed. Administrators confirmed 109 employees face job losses.
Shoppers visiting affected retailers encounter clearance sales at Quiz locations, whilst LK Bennett customers have a three-month window before spring closures. Game’s standalone store closure timeline has not been specified beyond “end of January” administrator appointments.
The 2026 failures follow 1,631 UK businesses filing for administration in 2025, according to analysis by Shakespeare Martineau law firm published 9 January. This represented a 5% decrease compared with 2024 but remained 22% higher than 2022 levels, indicating sustained pressure on British businesses.
The repeat administration pattern affecting Quiz, Claire’s and Game suggests fundamental business model challenges beyond temporary trading difficulties. Quiz has now entered administration three times since 2020, raising questions about the viability of mid-market fashion retail.
Claire’s second administration in four years threatens the accessories chain where generations of teenagers had ears pierced, whilst Game’s decline marks the end of an era for standalone gaming retail locations that defined high street shopping for young consumers.
Administrators managing the five cases continue seeking buyers for viable parts of the businesses whilst conducting orderly wind-downs where rescue proves impossible. The spring 2026 timeline for LK Bennett closures suggests April as a critical month for determining which locations shut permanently.
The clustering of administrations in early 2026 may reflect post-Christmas trading assessments, with retailers determining whether disappointing festive sales made continued operation unsustainable. This pattern could indicate further announcements as businesses evaluate first quarter performance.
