Another household name on the high street is disappearing as growing financial pressure and fierce competition continue to reshape the retail industry. The company spent years trying to survive in a market that has become increasingly unforgiving.
After multiple insolvency proceedings, declining sales and increasing competition from ultra-cheap online rivals, the company is now preparing to close its doors for good.
The collapse underscores the intense challenges facing brick-and-mortar retailers in an era dominated by e-commerce, rising operating costs and rapidly changing 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 has built a reputation for affordable women’s fashion and on-trend collections. But after years of financial strain, the retailer has confirmed it is closing all of its remaining independent stores.
Quiz confirms the closure of 37 stores
Quiz will close its remaining 37 independent 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 companies in financial difficulty from creditor action while licensed insolvency practitioners attempt to restructure or sell the company. The process serves a similar function to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US.
In a company statement, Quiz said liquidation sales would begin immediately at all locations, with at least 60% off all merchandise in the store.
The retailer also confirmed that its online store has ceased trading 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 closing dates for each location or the number of employees ultimately affected, the retailer previously employed more than 565 workers.
Quiz confirms the closure of all independent stores.Shutterstock
What clients need to know about closing
The questionnaire 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 February 5 will not receive refunds. However, stores may offer replacement or substitute items 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 that are closing
At the time of the administration filing, Quiz operated 40 stores and seven concessions. The following independent stores 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 Underground, Tyne and Wear
Glasgow Braehead, Scotland
Buchanan Galleries Glasgow, 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
Lake Thurrock shore, Essex
Warrington (Cheshire)
Watford (Hertfordshire)
Quiz concessions operating within New Look and Matalan stores in the UK are not included in the administration process and are expected to remain open.
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What led to the decline of Quiz?
Like many clothing retailers, Quiz faced increasing pressure due to weakening consumer demand, rising operating costs and changes in shopping habits.
In its latest earnings report for the half-year ended September 30, 2024, the company reported a 7.6% year-on-year decline in group revenue. Management attributed the slowdown to lower in-person traffic both online and in physical stores, compared to previous trading periods.
The retailer also struggled during the crucial Christmas shopping season. Sales during November and December fell short of expectations, further damaging 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 throughout the fast fashion industry. Companies like Shein and Temu quickly gained market share by offering trend-focused products at prices that many traditional retailers struggle to match.
The broader retail landscape has changed 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 in 2033, growing at a CAGR of 21.6%, according to Grand View Research.
Forrester retail analysts 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 are now facing increasing financial strain as shoppers continue to migrate online.
Quiz’s collapse reflects a broader shift taking place across the retail sector, where traditional 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 hit several major fashion retailers in recent years, underscoring the current challenges facing the industry.
Below is some of my previous coverage on retail store closures:
Related: Target has a strong message for disappointed customers
This story was originally published by TheStreet on May 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a preferred source by clicking here.
