Topps Tiles to shut 15 extra shops in 2026 beginning this month | UK | News | EUROtoday

After greater than 60 years of buying and selling one of many UK’s favorite DIY shops is shutting the doorways at 15 extra shops this 12 months with closures anticipated to start this month. This is on high of the 8 shops the corporate has already shut as Topps Tiles joins the UK excessive road cull in 2026 bringing the overall closures to 23, representing 7% of its 319-strong property. Topps Tiles mentioned eight of the “under-performing” shops had already closed, with the rest to close over the subsequent six months.

The group – which employs about 1,850 employees – has not but mentioned which shops would shut nor element the impression of the closures on its workforce, however added it might provide affected workers jobs inside the enterprise the place potential, leaving workers involved for his or her futures. Hundreds of retailers on the British excessive road are going through closures this together with Claire’s Accessories, GAME and The Original Factory Shop, whereas different retailers like TG Jones are warning of closures.

Topps Tiles chief govt Alex Jensen mentioned the closures are being made to “support year-on-year growth and provide a stronger financial platform for 2027 and beyond”.

The chain, which was based in 1963, purchased competitor CTD out of administration in 2024, a buyout that was later probed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) who pressured Topps Tiles to unload various branches over considerations about competitors.

Similarly, the corporate in December 2025 purchased Fired Earth, one other rival, for £3million when it fell into administration in October 2025.

The tile chain, based mostly in Enderby, Leicestershire, mentioned closing 7% of its 319-strong property would assist reduce prices as a part of “significant self-help measures”.

The group, which employs about 1,850 employees, has not but mentioned which shops would shut nor element the impression of the closures on its workforce, however added it might provide affected workers jobs inside the enterprise the place potential. However some job losses can be inevitable.

Following the 1963 opening, the corporate expanded throughout the North West and Midlands. In 1990, Topps Tiles merged with Tile Kingdom, which helped develop its presence into London and the South and the corporate grew to become a public restricted firm (PLC) in 1997. By 1999, the property had grown to 100 shops.

Mr Jensen added:”In light of subdued consumer sentiment and geopolitical uncertainty, as well as the cumulative impact of cost inflation, the management team is implementing a targeted programme of self-help measures weighted towards the second half,” he mentioned.

“These actions are designed to support year on year profit growth and provide a stronger financial platform for 2027 and beyond.”

The group mentioned gross sales fell barely within the six months to twenty-eight March. The DIY market within the UK has seen a downturn for the reason that Pandemic resulting from the price of dwelling disaster. High inflation and price pressures have pressured shoppers to deal with smaller, needed upkeep tasks moderately than large-scale renovations.

A slowdown in housing transactions has additionally traditionally meant much less demand for “fixer-upper” renovations.

Also as life has returned to regular post-pandemic, spending has shifted away from residence enhancements in the direction of journey and leisure.