River Island to shut 33 stores by end of January as North East locations on closure list

Two North East stores are on the closure list (Image: Roger Utting Photography via Getty Images)

A major UK retail chain is preparing to shutter dozens of outlets before January draws to a close.

River Island is pressing forward with proposals to axe 33 branches as part of efforts to reorganise the company after suffering substantial financial setbacks. The fashion retailer's restructuring scheme received the green light from the High Court back in August.

Alongside the shutdowns, rental cuts and outstanding debts will be cleared for 71 outlets. River Island presently operates more than 200 establishments across the country - with 122 remaining unaffected by the changes - and provides employment for approximately 5,500 individuals.

Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island, commented: "We hav