Select Fashion holds closing sale in Kidderminster as retail struggles persist

Select Fashion is preparing to close its Kidderminster store, marking another shift in the ever-changing landscape of British retail. A closing-down sale is currently underway, signalling the latest setback for the budget-friendly fashion chain as it grapples with the same financial pressures that have reshaped the high street in recent years.

The brand, known for its affordable womenswear, has not yet confirmed whether additional closures are planned, but its departure from Kidderminster highlights the mounting difficulties for mid-market fashion retailers. With consumers increasingly opting for online shopping and operational costs on the rise, maintaining a physical retail presence is proving a challenge for brands that once thrived on foot traffic and impulse buys.

Select Fashion has weathered financial difficulties before entering administration in 2019, which led to widespread store closures and restructuring efforts. Despite these measures, the economic climate has only become more challenging. Inflation, rising wages, and increased business rates have placed further strain on retailers, forcing many to reassess their brick-and-mortar strategies.

The high street has changed dramatically, and Select Fashion is not alone in its struggle. According to the Centre for Retail Research, over 13,000 UK retail stores shut their doors permanently in 2024, a 28% increase from the previous year. Projections for 2025 suggest even more closures are on the horizon, with an estimated 17,350 stores at risk. For brands like Select, which operate in an increasingly crowded and price-sensitive market, the pressures to remain competitive are relentless.

The fashion sector has been particularly affected by the rise of e-commerce, with fast fashion giants dominating digital spaces, offering lower prices and faster delivery. Traditional high-street brands, once a mainstay of British retail, are now forced to navigate a market where convenience often trumps in-store experiences. Without a strong online presence or a compelling reason for customers to visit physical stores, the risk of closures grows.

In Kidderminster, Select Fashion’s exit is part of a wider trend, with other retailers scaling back or shutting down in response to shifting consumer habits. As shopping centres and high streets adapt to these changes, vacant retail spaces are being repurposed for leisure, hospitality, and mixed-use developments. This transformation reflects the evolving priorities of both retailers and landlords as they seek sustainable ways to attract footfall.

Select Fashion has yet to outline its next steps, but its recent closures suggest an increased focus on online sales and a more streamlined retail footprint. The brand’s ability to adapt will determine its future, as many mid-market retailers are now prioritising digital expansion over physical store investments.

The closure of the Kidderminster store serves as a reminder of how rapidly the retail industry is evolving. As fashion brands refine their strategies, balancing in-store experiences with online growth, the high street continues to undergo a transformation, reshaping the way consumers shop and businesses operate.