As the retail sector faces mounting pressure, several major chains are closing their doors for good this month. Rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and the economic ripple effects from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are all contributing to this unsettling trend. Here’s a look at the seven chains shutting down stores in May 2026.
Cancer Research UK to Close 90 Charity Shops
One of the largest closures this month comes from Cancer Research UK, which is set to close 90 charity shops by the end of May. Locations in Birmingham, Bolton, Lancaster, and Swindon are among the affected stores. The charity cited rising costs and changing shopping habits as the main reasons for the closures.
Cancer Research UK is focusing on consolidating its retail network to only the most high-performing stores, with plans to close 100 more by April 2027. The charity hopes that by reducing its store count, it will be able to increase its financial contribution to research by approximately £12.4 million over the next five years.
Santander: 27 Branches Shutting Down
In another blow to high street banking, Santander has announced that 27 branches will close in May 2026. Locations in Birmingham, Mansfield, Redditch, and Welwyn Garden City are set to shut. Santander explained that 96% of customer transactions now take place through its digital platforms, prompting the decision to streamline physical branches.
A spokesperson for the bank stated, “In response to the continuing shift toward digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers,” reports The Sun. Despite the closures, Santander has pledged to continue investing in both digital banking services and its remaining branches.
NatWest Retail Pullback: 15 Branches to Close
Similar to Santander, NatWest is also reducing its physical presence, with 15 branches set to close this month. Affected locations include Waltham Cross, Barnet, and Hove. NatWest attributes the closures to reduced demand for in-person banking, as more customers choose online banking and mobile services.
NatWest has stated that many affected employees will be redeployed to other roles within the bank, aiming to avoid significant job losses. The bank is focusing on adapting its services to the digital-first demands of modern consumers.
Lloyds Bank and Halifax: 10 Branches to Close
Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Lloyds Bank and Halifax, is closing 10 branches in May 2026. Halifax will close two branches in Hammersmith, London, and Pentonville, Chapel Market. Lloyds Bank will shut branches in Falmouth, Bournemouth, and Redhill, among others.
The closures are part of the bank’s ongoing strategy to shift resources to more digital banking options, responding to the declining foot traffic at physical branches. Lloyds has emphasized its commitment to continuing its digital and branch network investments.
Adnams: 5 Stores to Close by May 31
Adnams, the well-known wine and beer retailer, will close five of its stores by the end of May 2026. Locations in Suffolk, Norwich, Frinton-on-Sea, Saffron Walden, and Stamford are all affected. The company attributed these closures to cost pressures, operational challenges, and changing customer preferences.
Despite the closures, Adnams remains committed to maintaining a presence on the high street and is exploring new locations with higher customer demand to continue its business operations.
Mostyn McKenzie: End of 60 Years in Business
Popular shoe chain Mostyn McKenzie has closed its Perth store on May 2, marking the end of 60 years in business. The company, once operating stores across the UK, has shut its remaining outlets, including its flagship Aberdeen branch in 2023. Managing director Graeme McKenzie stated that rising costs and a decline in footfall, particularly in Perth, were the primary reasons for the closure.
This marks the end of an era for the family-run business, which had struggled to compete with rising operational costs and changes in shopping habits.
Barretts of Woodbridge: Closing After Nearly 60 Years
Another long-standing family-run business, Barretts of Woodbridge, is set to close for good on May 7. Opened in 1969, the Suffolk-based department store has been forced to shut down due to rising operational costs, including energy bills, minimum wage increases, and business rates. The store has struggled to adapt to the rising financial pressures and changing shopping habits.
Jill Barrett, the daughter of the store’s founders, said that the business had been unable to cope with rising costs and simply couldn’t continue operating in the current climate.
