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Major UK stationery store to close all 13 high street branches – full list
Typo, the Australian stationery brand owned by Cotton On, plans to withdraw from the UK and close all its high street shops and online store by early 2027. The decision follows high operating costs and softer sales, which the company says have made the UK business unsustainable.
Typo currently has around 13 UK stores, though several have already closed, including outlets at Westfield Stratford and White City, a Selfridges concession and its Angel branch. Its remaining Eldon Square shop in Newcastle is trading with a closing-down sale, but no official dates have been set for the other closures. Cotton On’s other UK brands, Cotton On Body and Cotton On Kids, will continue online and through wholesale channels.
In short
- Typo plans to leave the UK by early 2027.
- Around 13 high street stores remain.
- High costs and softer sales prompted the decision.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Closing the UK stores may be a prudent response to high operating costs and softer sales if the business can no longer trade sustainably. Withdrawing could limit further losses and let Cotton On focus resources on its other brands and channels, while closing-down sales give customers a chance to buy remaining stock.
The case against
A complete withdrawal removes a high street and online choice for customers who value Typo’s stationery and gifts, and may further reduce the variety of independent-feeling retail on UK shopping streets. The closures also affect staff and local centres; critics could argue the company should first explore alternatives such as a smaller store network or a different operating model.