Those were the highest number of annual closures since 2020, when there were 9,698. Store openings, meanwhile, were predicted to fall to 5,800 from 5,970 in 2025.

Iceland, which is rivalled by Aldi, Lidl and more, pulled down the shutters permanently on its site in Welling at the start of the year, as the closures began.

The bankruptcy filing and store closures follow several other "big box" retailers that have followed suit this year, including Big Lots, Joann Fabrics, Kohl's, JCPenney, Macy's, and Party City.

The famous high street fashion retailer is set to close another location at the beginning of July. Hamilton, Scotland will close for good and is one of nearly 100 stores set to shut up shop for good ...