Today’s company insolvency statistics show retail insolvencies fell by 11% from 177 in October 2025 to 158 in November 2025, but were up 14% year-on-year from 138 in November 2024.
Gordon Thomson, restructuring partner at leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK, said: Retail sales figures disappointed across much of the sector’s all important Golden Quarter, but insolvencies declined month-on-month as retailers hung on in the hopes for a last-minute surge in Christmas shopping, particularly on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
“However, speculation and uncertainty in the lead up to the Autumn Budget, combined with little incentive for consumers to start spending thereafter, has meant that many retailers haven’t entered the new year on a strong footing. Indeed, the year-on-year increase in insolvencies is concerning and retailers must now be taking the time to consider their options, particularly ahead of a double whammy of costs increases in the form of business rates and national minimum wage in April. Unfortunately, the cost burden will be too much to bear for some.
“Retailers face a highly competitive trading environment, which has been made even more difficult as consumers choose to save rather than spend. Nearly 60% of consumers plan to save more or continue saving at the same rate over the next three months*, which doesn’t bode well for the sector. That makes it even more important that retailers keep up with trends to stay ahead of the game, closely monitor their spending and incorporate technology to identify efficiencies.
“With inflation and interest rates set to come down this year, and consumers sitting on historically high levels of savings, there’s scope for retail spending to pick up pace throughout 2026, but that all hinges on a recovery in consumer confidence. However, retailers can only hold on for so long; if it’s another year of poor retail sales and if the government doesn’t offer more support, we’ll undoubtedly see more closures on the high street.”
