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A major stationery retailer is closing every shop it operates in the UK after concluding that its British business is no longer financially sustainable.
Around 13 stores will disappear by early 2027, while the chain’s UK website will also stop trading by the same deadline.
Typo, the colourful stationery and gifting brand owned by Australia’s Cotton On Group, is withdrawing from the UK entirely after approximately a decade in the country.
The retailer currently operates stores in cities including London, Canterbury and Newcastle, selling notebooks, cards, gifts and lifestyle accessories.
Cotton On Group confirmed the decision over the weekend and blamed high rents, rising operating costs and weaker-than-expected sales.
In a statement, the company said: “After careful consideration we are closing Typo’s operations in the United Kingdom, with all stores and online trading to close by early 2027.”
The group also acknowledged the effect the decision would have on employees.
It said: “We recognise the impact of this decision on our Typo UK team who are already aware of this, and our priority is to support our people through this transition.”
The company said its teams had tried to make the UK operation work but that its costs and sales performance meant the business could not continue.
It added: “Despite the efforts of our teams, ongoing high rent and operating costs, combined with softer sales, mean there is no sustainable path today for Typo in the UK.”
The closures are taking place in stages, although exact dates have not been announced for most branches.
Typo’s shop at Eldon Square in Newcastle closed on Friday 9 October after holding a clearance sale.
Other stores have reportedly shut with little advance warning for customers.
The retailer’s Metrocentre branch in Gateshead remains open for now, but the company has not confirmed when it will close.
Typo will continue operating as normal in its other international markets. Cotton On Group also stressed that its Cotton On, Cotton On Body and Cotton On Kids labels would keep serving British customers through online and wholesale channels.
Typo’s departure is the latest in a string of blows to Britain’s retail landscape.
Claire’s Accessories fell into administration earlier this year, resulting in the closure of all 154 standalone shops in April.
Footwear chain Wynsors World of Shoes has announced plans to shut 17 branches after flagging concerns over rent and staffing costs.
TG Jones is pressing ahead with a major restructuring that will see 22 of its stores close this month.
Meanwhile, three Harvey Nichols department stores are set to be wound down as part of a rescue strategy led by new owner Frasers.
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