Fashion retailer River Island is set to close two North East stores early next year as part of a major restructuring plan that will see 33 shops shut across the UK.

Branches in Hartlepool and Stockton have been named among the locations to go, with closures expected by the end of January.

The move follows the High Court’s approval of the company’s restructuring plan in August, which aims to stabilise the business after significant financial losses.

River Island reported pre-tax losses of £33.2m in 2023, worsening to £64m in 2024, with the retailer blaming a shift to online shopping and soaring operating costs.

River Island (Image: PA MEDIA)

The closures will reduce River Island’s high street footprint in Teesside, leaving nearby stores such as Middlesbrough and Darlington as the clos

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