Animal set to shutter entire UK estate by 2021

Fashion brand Animal is reportedly set to shutter its entire UK estate by 2021, placing almost 500 jobs at risk.

According to a report by the BBC, the brand’s owner H Young Holdings said the closure could come as early as January of next year, and added that the move to shut stores was the result of an “extremely challenging” retail market which has been “further worsened” by the Covid-19 pandemic.

H Young Holdings originally acquired the business in 2014, following the retailer’s collapse into administration that year.

A statement by H Young Holdings, which was sent to the BBC, read: “As a result of the extremely challenging retail market which has now further worsened due to Covid-19, H Young announces it will be closing its Animal business by the end of January 2021.

“This will obviously be a very sad announcement for all Animal’s hardworking employees and its loyal customers.”

H Young Holdings has been contacted for comment.