Another retail chain closing all stores after 33 years in business

Another familiar name on high streets is disappearing as mounting financial pressure and fierce competition continue to reshape the retail industry. The company spent years trying to survive a market that has become increasingly unforgiving.

After multiple insolvency proceedings, shrinking sales, and mounting competition from ultra-cheap online rivals, the company is now preparing to shut its doors for good.

The collapse underscores the intense challenges traditional retailers face in an era dominated by e-commerce, rising operating costs, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations. Many established brands have struggled to adapt as shoppers increasingly prioritize convenience, lower prices, and faster delivery over the traditional in-store experience.

Founded in 1993, Scotland-based fast-fashion retailer Quiz built a reputation on affordable women's fashion and trend-driven collections. But after years of financial strain, the retailer has confirmed the closure of all its remaining standalone stores.

Quiz confirms closure of 37 stores

Quiz will close all 37 of its remaining standalone stores by the end of June 2026 after entering administration on February 5. The filing marked the company's second administration process in 12 months and third insolvency in six years.

In the UK, administration is a court-supervised insolvency process designed to protect financially distressed businesses from creditor action while licensed insolvency practitioners attempt to restructure or sell the company. The process serves a similar role to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.

In a company statement, Quiz said clearance sales would begin immediately across all locations, with at least 60% off all in-store merchandise.

The retailer also confirmed that its online store ceased operations following the appointment of administrators, meaning customers can no longer place orders through the company's website.

While Quiz has not yet confirmed the exact closure dates for each location or the number of employees ultimately affected, the retailer previously employed more than 565 workers.

What customers need to know about the closure

Quiz outlined several important updates for customers navigating the administration process:

• Online purchases made before February 5 may qualify as unsecured claims through the administration of Orion Retail Limited.
• Customers returning items purchased before 5 February will not receive refunds. However, stores may offer replacement items or substitutes of equal or greater value.
• Customers who have already returned online purchases but have not yet received refunds are unlikely to receive them and are advised to contact their debit or credit card provider for assistance.
• Gift cards and store credit notes will no longer be accepted.

List of Quiz stores closing

At the time of the administration filing, Quiz operated 40 stores and seven concessions. The following standalone store locations are expected to close:

• Aberdeen, Scotland
• Basingstoke, Hampshire
• Bracknell, Berkshire
• Cardiff, Wales
• Carlisle, Cumbria
• Castleford, West Yorkshire
• Clydebank, Scotland
• Craigavon, Northern Ireland
• Derby, Derbyshire
• Dunfermline, Scotland
• Eastbourne, East Sussex
• Gateshead Metro, Tyne and Wear
• Glasgow Braehead, Scotland
• Glasgow Buchanan Galleries, Scotland
• Glasgow Fort, Scotland
• Glasgow St Enoch, Scotland
• Hanley, Staffordshire
• Hull, East Yorkshire
• Inverness, Scotland
• Irvine, Scotland
• Leicester, Leicestershire
• Livingston, Scotland
• Manchester Arndale, Greater Manchester
• Manchester Trafford Centre, Greater Manchester
• Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
• Merryhill, West Midlands
• Newry, Northern Ireland
• Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
• Northampton, Northamptonshire
• Norwich, Norfolk
• Portsmouth, Hampshire
• Sheffield Meadowhall, South Yorkshire
• Stirling, Scotland
• Telford, Shropshire
• Thurrock Lakeside, Essex
• Warrington, Cheshire
• Watford, Hertfordshire

Quiz concessions operating inside New Look and Matalan stores in the UK are not included in the administration process and are expected to remain open.

What led to Quiz's decline

Like many apparel retailers, Quiz faced mounting pressure from softening consumer demand, rising operating costs, and changing shopping habits.

In its latest earnings report for the six months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported a 7.6% year-over-year decline in group revenue. Management attributed the slowdown to weaker foot traffic both online and in physical stores, compared with previous trading periods.

The retailer also struggled during the crucial holiday shopping season. Sales during November and December fell short of expectations, further hurting the company's financial position and ultimately contributing to plans to delist from London's AIM market.

At the same time, the rapid rise of ultra-low-cost e-commerce platforms intensified competition across the fast-fashion industry. Companies such as Shein and Temu quickly gained market share by offering trend-focused products at prices many traditional retailers struggle to match.

The broader retail landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. The global e-commerce market was valued at $33.91 trillion in 2025 and is projected to reach $155.98 trillion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 21.6%, according to Grand View Research.

Retail analysts at Forrester say long-term survival increasingly depends on a retailer's ability to balance operational efficiency, digital innovation, and customer experience. Many legacy brands that failed to modernize quickly enough now face mounting financial strain as shoppers continue migrating online.

The collapse of Quiz reflects a broader shift taking place across the retail sector, where legacy fashion chains are finding it increasingly difficult to compete in a market driven by speed, convenience, and aggressive online pricing.

Similar restructuring efforts and store closures have affected several major fashion retailers in recent years, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the industry

Here's some of my previous coverage of retail closures:

• Global fashion retailer closing all stores, winding down operations
• Fashion brand shuts down website, all stores may close
• 115-year-old fashion brand exits entire market in 2026

Related: 170-year-old luxury fashion retailer quietly closes 21 stores

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 7:33 PM.