Major UK fashion retailer closes all stores after falling into administration

A major high-street fashion retailer has closed all its stores after entering administration earlier this year.

LK Bennett, founded back in the 90s, entered administration in January, with John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP appointed joint administrators.

Immediately following their appointment, the LK Bennett brand and related intellectual property were sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland.

However, LK Bennett’s nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores were not included in the deal, leaving them at risk of closing.

Its website explains: “The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the Administration.”

All LK Bennett stores “are now closed”

All LK Bennett stores have now closed, according to the retailer’s website.

In an Instagram post on Saturday (April 25), the fashion retailer said: “We’re nearly at the end.

“With only 2 days remaining, tomorrow is your last moment to shop our collections in-store with everything up to 90% off.”

“Our boutiques will remain open today as long as stock lasts, but once it’s gone, our doors will close.”

A post shared by LK Bennett (@lkbennettlondon)

But it appears all stock has been sold, as the LK Bennett website reads: “Website and stores are now closed.”

Full list of LK Bennett stores

The full list of LK Bennett stores that have closed is:

Stand-alone stores

Lower Guildhall Mall (Bluewater)

Canary Wharf (London)

Eastgate Square Shopping Centre (Chester)

Duke of York Square (London)

Harrogate

Knightsbridge (London)

New Bond Street (London)

Richmond

White City Westfield (London)

Concession stores

Arnotts (Dublin)

The Bentall Centre (Kingston upon Thames)

Brown Thomas (Dublin)

De Gruchy (Jersey)

Hoopers (Tunbridge Wells)

Hoopers (Wilmslow)

Jarrold (Norwich)

John Lewis (Edinburgh)

John Lewis (High Wycombe)

John Lewis – Oxford Street (London)

John Lewis (Manchester)

John Lewis (Oxford)

John Lewis (Cheadle)

‘Very sad day’ – shoppers react to closure of LK Bennett stores

Shoppers were quick to react to the closure of the remaining LK Bennett stores, taking to the Instagram post to share their thoughts.

One person commented: “Very sad day indeed. I will miss the lovely collection and the staff who was always attentive no matter which boutique you shopped.”

Another added: “Very sad day for the high street and more importantly the staff who have worked their shoes! Off- good luck to all of you.”

Other major UK companies that have closed or entered administration in 2026

It has been a tough start to 2026 for the UK high street, with a wide range of businesses entering administration or closing down.

Major high street retailers have been forced to close stores, including:

River Island

Primark

Poundland

Revolution

BrewDog

Several other retailers have fallen into administration, including:

Russell & Bromley

Moores

Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop

Quiz

Meanwhile, four UK travel companies have closed in 2026:

Regen Central Ltd

Gold Crest Holidays

Asiara UK Ltd

Simply Florida Travel Ltd

EcoJet Airlines, billed as “the world’s first Electric Airline”, also entered liquidation after just three years, resulting in the cancellation of all planned flights.

What has a nose, wings and runs off of hydrogen? Ecojet 😎 pic.twitter.com/y8QGiBdFe2

— ecotricity (@ecotricity) July 17, 2023

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out over the coming months after being acquired by InPost.

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