Five iconic UK retailers enter administration within 2 months of 2026 — full list
Across Britain's high streets, a significant number of companies have collapsed into administration since the beginning of 2026. From major fashion retailers to gaming and accessories shops, January has witnessed numerous once-beloved chains entering administration.
This comes after 1,631 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025, according to the most recent analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau published on January 9.
While this figure represents a 5% decrease compared with 2024, it remains 22% higher than in 2022.
- Full list of Poundland and River Island stores closing in 2026
- Man 'stabbed mum to death after chase' as London bus passengers watched 'murder'
Here is a list of five iconic UK stores that have fallen into administration this year.
1. Quiz clothingThe fashion chain Quiz has collapsed into administration for the third time in six years, with 109 workers facing redundancy.
According to the administrators, the company, founded in 1993, has encountered difficulties over the past year, resulting in disappointing sales during the festive period.
While the retailer's 40 shops and seven concessions remain open, they will be holding closing-down sales and will not honour refunds. Meanwhile, its website has been taken offline.
2. Claire'sClaire's, the accessories retailer where numerous 16-year-olds have had their ears pierced, entered administration for the second time in January.
Around 150 shops employing 1,000 staff are now at risk, just four months after the business was rescued.
Administrators Kroll confirmed that they have been appointed to oversee the insolvency of the brand's UK and Ireland operations. They also stated that Claire's "is still trading during this time".
3. GameFollowing the start of administration proceedings, the gaming giant, a cherished fixture of many childhoods, announced plans to shut its final remaining standalone branches.
The firm confirmed its intention to appoint administrators at the end of January. Game's presence on the high street has steadily shrunk over the past decade, making branches increasingly rare sights, and soon any standalone outlets will vanish entirely.
Last month, the company filed a notice to appoint administrators, representing the second time Game has entered administration since 2012.
As of January 28, The Original Factory Shop entered administration, placing more than 1,000 jobs in jeopardy.
The Original Factory Shop has brought in administrators from Interpath Advisory to handle the insolvency process.
The administrators highlighted several challenges facing The Original Factory Shop, including difficult trading conditions, high inflation, rising labour costs due to Government regulations, and a drop in consumer confidence.
5. LK BennettWhile loved by Princess Kate, the British fashion retailer LK Bennett is gearing up to shut all its standalone shops after entering administration, placing numerous jobs at risk.
As of February 2026, the business is in administration, and while investment firm Gordon Brothers has acquired the LK Bennett brand, the agreement did not extend to the retailer's physical store premises.
Consequently, all remaining shops are expected to close their doors for good by spring 2026. Administrators confirm that the nine standalone outlets and 13 department store concessions will continue trading for up to three months, indicating that closures are likely by April 2026.