MAJOR retailers are closing more of their shops for good this month as the high street continues to struggle.
Higher costs due to the conflict in the Middle East, increases in National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage have all piled pressure onto their budgets.
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It means some retailers have been forced to axe stores and put expansion plans on hold in order to make ends meet.
But it’s worth noting that retailers regularly open and close shops for a number of reasons, not just because they are struggling.
For example, they may have a store nearby that is performing better.
Meanwhile, it could be that they want to move to a location that has a higher footfall, such as a retail park.
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Here is a full list of shops we know are shutting in May 2026.
Cancer Research UK
Charity shop chain Cancer Research UK is set to close 90 charity shops by the end of next month, with a further 100 more to close by April 2027.
Shops in Birmingham, Bolton, Lancaster and Swindon are among the list of those being axed.
The chain said rising costs and changing shopping habits are the reason for the closures.
In order for the charity to focus on its research it has to close shops.
The organisation plans to reduce the number of shops it has to just 320 “high-performers”, while expanding its network of out of town superstores.
The chain hopes that closing the shops will allow it to increase its financial contribution to research by approximately £12.4million over the next five years.
Santander
The high street bank is set to close 27 locations in May in another blow to customers.
Branches in Birmingham, Mansfield, Redditch and Welwyn Garden City are all set to close this month.
The bank blamed more customers banking online for the closures.
It said that 96% of all customer transactions are now conducted through digital platforms, so a number of digital branches are not being utilised.
A spokesperson said: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers.”
The bank said it will continue to invest in its branch network and digital banking services.
NatWest
Santander is not the only bank set to shutter branches this month.
NatWest has earmarked 15 branches for closure in May, including its Waltham Cross, Barnet and Hove locations.
The bank said it will redeploy many of its workers to avoid job cuts.
NatWest also blamed customers using branches less frequently for the closures.
A spokesperson said: “There’s more demand for mobile and online services, allowing you to benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.
“We understand the closure of your local branch will bring some changes, and we want to make sure you are fully informed and supported every step of the way.”
Lloyds Bank and Halifax
Lloyds Bank and Halifax, which are both part of Lloyds Banking Group, are set to shutter ten locations this month.
Halifax will close two branches, in Hammersmith, London, and Pentonville, Chapel Market.
Meanwhile, Lloyds Bank will close branches in locations including Falmouth, Bournemouth and Redhill.
The banking group also blamed the shift towards digital banking for the closures.
Adnams
Wine and beer chain Adnams is set to close five shops by the end of May in a blow to the high street.
The Suffolk-based brewery has decided to close its outlets after reviewing its estate.
Cost pressures, operational challenges and changes in customer habits were all to blame.
The shops set for closure are in Suffolk, Norwich, Frinton-on-Sea, Saffron Walden and Stamford.
Although the stores are set to close, the brand is still committed to maintaining a retail presence and is exploring opportunities to open in locations with better customer demand.
Mostyn McKenzie
Popular shoe chain Mostyn McKenzie closed its store in Perth on May 2.
It was the last of the family-run retailer’s shops and marked the end of 60 years in business.
It originally operated branches across the UK, including Edinburgh, Broughty Ferry, and Tenterden in Kent.
The news comes after the chain shut its flagship Aberdeen branch in 2023.
Managing director Graeme McKenzie said the decision was down to rising costs.
He warned that higher costs and a change in shopping habits had meant that footfall in Perth had dropped considerably, while costs had increased.
Barretts of Woodbridge
Barretts of Woodbridge in Suffolk is set to close its doors for the last time after trading for almost 60 years.
The shop was opened in 1969 by couple Ann and Jacket Barrett.
But the family-run department store has now announced it is set to close for good on May 7.
Jill Barrett, the daughter of Ann and Jacket, said that the shop had been unable to keep up with rising costs including energy, fuel, minimum wage, National Insurance, staff pensions and business rates.
