River Island got the green light from the High Court for its restructuring plan on Friday so its planned 33 store closures will now go ahead and a lifeline loan from the family that founded and own it will be unlocked.

It means the retailer will avoid running out of cash next month as it was in danger of doing with an administration filing having been the likely next step in that scenario. This will be a relief for the leadership team, although those who’ll lose their jobs and the landlords who were unhappy that the plan also includes three-year low- or no-rent deals for 71 stores will be less so.

River Island’s lawyer told the court that the brand has faced supply chain disruption, rising energy prices, wage inflation, and lower footfall from the shift to online shopping. This all mean

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