Arket to close Birmingham store on April 6

The fashion chain Arket, owned by H&M, is set to permanently close its store in the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham. The closure will take place on April 6. This news has upset many shoppers, who expressed their disappointment on social media. Arket has had a presence in Birmingham since November 2018. The brand, which is known for its modern and minimalist clothing, has faced challenges in recent years. It has already closed several stores across the UK, including one in Liverpool last year. H&M has been adapting its business strategy. Recently, it closed another brand, Monki, in the same shopping centre. Monki's colorful designs appealed to younger shoppers, but it will now be integrated into H&M's brand Weekday. Many retailers, including H&M, are struggling with rising costs and increased competition, particularly from brands like Zara. The retail environment is tough as more shoppers turn to online shopping, and high inflation impacts consumer spending. In 2024, a significant number of stores closed, with around 13,479 shutting down, marking a 37-store closure each day. The British Retail Consortium predicts further challenges in 2025, with many more stores and jobs at risk due to economic pressures.