A major betting company is preparing to shut down approximately 200 of its shops in the coming weeks. William Hill, which operates around 1,300 shops in the UK, confirmed that these closures are necessary due to financial challenges. The decision was communicated to staff during a company-wide meeting held on Tuesday morning.
Evoke, the parent company of William Hill, stated that the closures are a result of increased costs in the regulated sector, including significant tax hikes announced by the government. The company emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of its retail operations in the face of rising financial pressures.
In response to the announcement, a customer expressed concerns about the focus on gaming machines in the shops, suggesting it may deter some punters. This development comes amid a trend of high street closures, with well-known retailers like GAME also facing challenges. GAME recently confirmed the closure of its last three physical stores, marking a decline from its previous presence of around 300 outlets across the UK.
The affected GAME stores include Merry Hill in Dudley, Nicholas Arcade in Lancaster, and Times Square Shopping Centre in Sutton. Despite the closures, GAME’s online operations will continue, and over 200 concession stores within Sports Direct and House of Fraser will remain operational.
Additionally, fashion retailer River Island closed 27 stores earlier this year, signaling a shift in the company’s physical retail strategy. This move follows the brand’s establishment in 1988 and subsequent expansion across the UK, with locations like Leeds Birstall Park, Surrey Quays in London, and Poole being among those affected by the closures.