Fashion chain River Island is pulling out of Friars Walk in Newport, with displays in the shopfront confirming operations will end on Sunday, April 19, after a concluding liquidation event.

Promotional banners are offering 50 percent reductions on promotional merchandise and 30 percent savings on standard-priced products at the shopping centre location, along with a statement saying the establishment is shutting down and thanking customers for their support.

The notice also guides buyers toward continuing their purchases via the riverisland.com website and other local branches.

This departure marks yet another setback for clothing retail in central Newport, where numerous major retailers have already vacated Friars Walk and the broader commercial district in recent years.

Just months back, independent apparel retailer The Wardrobe ceased trading, further limiting options for those seeking local clothing, footwear and accessories.

In January, stationery company Smiggle – at the time one of the most established businesses operating from Friars Walk – also closed its doors.

The departure of River Island leaves fewer town centre options for teenagers and families who depended on the chain for budget-friendly clothing.

Customers in Newport will now need to visit other River Island locations or make purchases digitally if they wish to remain loyal to the brand, generating new worries about the future composition of retail offerings at Friars Walk.

The clearance event is anticipated to draw deal-seekers over the coming days, though many habitual shoppers say they are saddened to witness another fashion outlet vanish from the city centre and are concerned about consequences for employment and customer numbers in Newport.

The shut-down is among several outlets the company is closing after reporting losses of £32.3 million in the previous year. The retailer shuttered 27 stores in January 2026 and was seeking to reduce rents on remaining properties.