Women’s clothing retailer Select Fashion will close 23 stores this weekend, adding to a series of closures as it navigates financial difficulties and an ongoing restructuring process.
Select Fashion is set to permanently close 23 of its stores this Saturday, marking a significant reduction in its presence on the UK high street as it nears the end of a difficult restructuring process. The women’s clothing retailer’s closure plan follows the shuttering of 12 stores on March 5, bringing the total number of closures to 35 locations.
The chain, which has been facing persistent challenges since entering administration in 2019, is owned by Turkish entrepreneur Cafer Mahiroğlu. Select’s struggles have been compounded by the ongoing issues affecting the retail sector, including the pressure of rising living costs and increased taxation. In its most recent financial statements, the company reported a pre-tax loss of £1.1 million for the year ending February 2023.
Select Fashion’s closure process has involved a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), whereby the company attempted to renegotiate its debts while remaining operational. According to recent documents seen by the Sun, the restructuring firm Moorfields has been appointed to oversee a liquidation process, indicating that the company may not be able to repay its outstanding debts.
At its peak, Select operated 169 stores across the UK, celebrating its entry into the British fashion market in the 1980s. However, the recent closures reflect a broader trend in the retail sector, where over 13,000 shops ceased trading in 2024, marking a 28% increase from the previous year.
The stores that have already closed include locations in Ashton-under-Lyne, Chippenham, Crewe, and others. The 23 stores yet to close encompass various towns, including Accrington, Ashington, Birkenhead, and Bristol, among others. The impending closures have elicited feedback from local residents, with one Worksop local expressing disappointment that the town would lack a clothing shop following the recent shutdown.
As Select Fashion winds down its operations, it joins a list of other retailers that have struggled to survive amid the challenging economic landscape. Recently, rival brand Quiz announced the closure of 23 stores following its own financial difficulties. Prominent high street chains such as Homebase, Carpetright, and The Body Shop also faced significant challenges in 2024, culminating in administrations that resulted in widespread job losses.
Select Fashion’s situation exemplifies the turbulent state of retail in the UK, significantly affecting the high street fabric in communities across the country.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.netmums.com/life/major-shopping-brand-to-close-35-stores-by-end-of-the-month-heres-the-full-list-of-locations – This article supports the claim that Select Fashion is closing 35 stores across the UK due to changing shopping habits and financial challenges. It lists specific locations affected by the closures.
- https://fashionunited.in/news/business/select-fashion-set-to-close-12-stores-across-the-uk-following-cva-filing/2025021148790 – This article corroborates Select Fashion’s entry into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) and the closure of stores, particularly in the North of England.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/business/select-fashion-on-verge-of-collapse-as-it-shuts-uk-stores-reports-b2715302.html – This article supports the claim that Select Fashion is on the verge of collapse and has appointed Moorfields to oversee a potential liquidation process, indicating financial difficulties.
- https://www.netmums.com/life/major-shopping-brand-to-close-35-stores-by-end-of-the-month-heres-the-full-list-of-locations – This article also mentions the broader retail challenges, including the impact of rising living costs and increased taxation on businesses like Select Fashion.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/business/select-fashion-on-verge-of-collapse-as-it-shuts-uk-stores-reports-b2715302.html – This article further highlights the financial struggles of Select Fashion, including a pre-tax loss and the challenges faced by other retailers like Quiz.
- https://www.netmums.com/life/major-shopping-brand-to-close-35-stores-by-end-of-the-month-heres-the-full-list-of-locations – This article mentions other retailers facing similar challenges, such as Homebase and WHSmith, reflecting the broader retail sector trends.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references recent financial statements and store closures, indicating it is current. However, it lacks specific dates for some events, which could slightly reduce its freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative to verify.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a reputable local news source. However, the reliability could be enhanced with additional sources or official statements.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about store closures and financial struggles align with broader trends in the UK retail sector, making them plausible. The mention of specific store locations and financial figures adds credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and plausible, with a reliable source. The lack of direct quotes does not detract from its overall credibility, given the context and supporting details.
