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Joules to open 4 new UK stores after administration scare

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By Patrick Glover Trending News Reporter
Joules entered administration in November 2022, but was saved by Next in a £34 million deal. <i>(Image: Alamy Stock Photo/PA)</i>
Joules entered administration in November 2022, but was saved by Next in a £34 million deal. (Image: Alamy Stock Photo/PA)
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A major fashion chain is set to open four new stores across the UK just four years after collapsing into administration.

Joules entered administration in November 2022 after struggling with rising costs and weaker consumer demand.

Just two weeks later, Next partnered with founder Tom Joule to buy the retailer out of administration in a £34 million deal.

Despite the rescue deal, 19 stores were forced to close, resulting in the loss of 133 jobs.

Since the takeover, the retailer has reduced its footprint from 132 shops to just 53.

Full list of new Joules stores opening across the UK

Joules is now set to open four new stores across the UK in the coming months, according to Drapers:

  • Northallerton - 99-100 High Street (October 23, 2026)
  • Harrogate - 18 James Street (November 24, 2026)
  • Gretna - Caledonia Park Designer Outlet (by the end of 2026)
  • Basingstoke - Unit 28 Festival Place (Spring 2027)

You can see the location of all the Joules stores currently open in the UK on its website.

UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire's, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation in May.

Whitbread closed all its standalone branded restaurants earlier this month, affecting:

TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also be closing around 150 stores each across the UK.

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services "until further notice" as it looks to appoint an administrator.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out after being acquired by InPost.

It's also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

Meanwhile, iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

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It hasn't all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

Is there a new Joules store opening near you? Let us know in the comments below.

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