Fashion and home retailer blow as 3 stores closing in chain 'in week' - full list
Sales have been announced with 50% discounts after announcement in chain which has been on high street since 1985
Matalan at North Valley Retail Park, Pendle, will close on March 7, it has been confirmed. In a setback for the North West this follows the decision to shut the Carlisle branch on the same date.
The fashion and homeware chain will continue trading at the North Valley Retail Park in Colne for a further week before closing permanently.
A Matalan spokesman said: "Our priority now is to support our colleagues. We are working closely with all those affected and, where possible, exploring alternative positions."
We have thoroughly enjoyed serving customers at the retail park and hope they will continue to shop with us at our nearby Accrington or Blackburn stores. "The company was established in 1985 by British businessman John Hargreaves."
The founder created the store name by merging those of his two sons, Matt and Alan. Following 40 years of operation, Matalan runs more than 200 outlets across the UK alongside an online shopping platform.
Yet the Lancashire site isn't the sole branch facing closure, as the retailer also announced recently it would shut down its Carlisle outlet on 7th March.
The firm stated it closed its Carlisle megastore to facilitate a significant redevelopment project. A spokesperson said: "Our Carlisle store will close in March due to the planned redevelopment of the site.
A Matalan spokesperson said: “As part of the normal course of business, we occasionally close some stores, while exploring opportunities for openings in other locations. Our first priority is to support our colleagues and we are working closely with all those affected. Customers can continue to shop our full range of products via our website and app, or in our 220 Matalan stores across the UK”.
Matalan Closures 2026
- Pendle March 7
- Carlisle March 7
- Leeds Feb 24
"We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the community in Carlisle and are evaluating potential relocation opportunities.
"Our priority now is to support our colleagues. We are working closely with all those affected and, where possible, exploring alternative positions."
Employees at the Matalan branch in Leeds were reassigned following its permanent closure this week on February 24.
Matalan has revealed ambitious plans to launch fresh outlets and renovate existing locations nationwide as part of a £25 million injection into the fashion and homeware retailer.
The budget-conscious chain confirmed that physical premises remain "at the centre" of its strategy.
The programme will debut 10 new and repositioned stores this year, reaching areas such as London, Essex, Hampshire, and Northern Ireland. The capital will additionally fund improvements to 30 current branches throughout Britain.
These modernisation efforts mean shoppers will notice alterations including clearer departmental layouts, amenities such as changing rooms and payment points consolidated into single zones, and updated checkout facilities in certain locations featuring quicker self-service terminals.
Matalan also confirmed plans to introduce a new mobile application for purchasing and loyalty benefits. Recently transformed branches in destinations including Croydon, Bristol, and Dumfries have enjoyed stronger-than-anticipated increases in takings, the retailer reported.
Matalan operates approximately 265 outlets across Britain and internationally. The retailer came under fresh ownership at the beginning of 2023 when a consortium of lenders assumed control from founder John Hargreaves, who launched the business in 1985. The consortium, spearheaded by Invesco, Man GLG, Napier Park and Tresidor, took charge of the fashion retailer following a sales process.
Matalan confirmed it obtained £25 million from its backers last month, with the funds being allocated towards upgrading its shop portfolio.
James Dorling, Matalan's property director, said: "Matalan storefronts have been a fixture of UK communities for 40 years, so it is only right that bricks-and-mortar retail remains at the centre of our transformation programme. With 10 exciting new store openings and extensive refurbishments across our estate, this investment represents a significant shift in our strategy – delivering an improved, more seamless shopping experience for our dedicated existing customers, whilst also bringing the Matalan brand to new consumers."
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