Major clothing retailer with 220 UK stores shuts huge branch today - 4th closure this year
The retailer has already closed three of its stores in 2026.
A national fashion and homeware retailer is closing one of its stores for good at South Lakeland Retail Park in Kendal, Cumbria, on Tuesday. The closure marks the fourth Matalan UK branch to shut this year following earlier closures in Carlisle, Colne, and Leeds. While the Carlisle and Colne stores closed on March 7, the Leeds store at The Core Shopping Centre shut its doors for good on February 24.
A Matalan spokesperson said: “Our store at South Lakeland Retail Park will close in April. Our priority now is to support our colleagues. We are working closely with all those affected and, where possible, exploring alternative positions."
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Despite the closures, the retailer is planning a refurbishment of 40 of its stores in 2026. The fashion and homeware retailer has secured a £25 million funding boost from investors to accelerate these revamps and improve its digital presence, reporting a return to sales growth in early 2026.
A Matalan spokesperson previously 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 is not the only national retailer to close its doors. At the end of February, Lakeland Leather, announced that it is shutting its Kendal, Carlisle and Gretna stores. The company described the move as a 'difficult decision' prompted by lease expirations.
A spokesperson also said: “Like many retailers, we are operating within an increasingly challenging trading environment, with rising costs and lower footfall continuing to impact parts of the high street."
Reacting to the news, Kendal Business Improvement District Manager Peter Brendling, said: “Kendal BID is saddened to see another national retailer close its doors in Kendal.
“Particularly, one that is associated with this area. Without branches, retailers open themselves up to much greater online competition.
“Whilst it is not good to have empty shops on the high street, Kendal is fortunate to have a strong community of independent retailers, offering great service and unique products.”
