Quiz Collapses into Administration with 109 Jobs Lost as High Street Retail Struggles

British fashion retailer Quiz Clothing has entered administration for the third time in six years, resulting in at least 109 redundancies and putting hundreds more jobs at risk as rising costs and weak high street performance take their toll.

Joint administrators from restructuring firm Interpath Advisory, including Alistair McAlinden and Geoff Jacobs, were appointed on 5 February 2026 to oversee insolvency proceedings. The move comes after a challenging trading year that saw weaker-than-expected sales over the crucial Christmas period and mounting pressure from higher business rates and employment costs.

Jobs Lost and Business Impact

The redundancies affect staff at Quiz’s head office in Glasgow and its distribution centre in Bellshill, Lanarkshire part of a workforce of around 565 employees. While administrators have confirmed that most employees will be retained to manage ongoing operations, 109 roles have already been cut.

Though Quiz’s 40 stores across the UK and seven concessions in Ireland will remain open temporarily for clearance sales, the company’s online store has closed with immediate effect. Shoppers have been warned that gift cards and credit notes are no longer honoured, refunds will be limited, and pending online orders have been cancelled.

A Brand Under Strain

Founded in 1993 in Glasgow, Quiz once boasted a growing network of high street stores and international outlets. However, the brand has struggled to maintain profitability amid a difficult retail backdrop and shifting consumer spending habits. This latest administration follows a previous insolvency in early 2025, when the business was bought back in a so-called “pre-pack” deal by an Orion subsidiary controlled by the founding family a move that saved some stores and jobs at that time.

Administrators have signalled that they are exploring options for the future of the business, including potential buyers for stock and store operations, but cautioned that the environment for UK high street fashion remains “tough” in early 2026.

Broader High Street Pressures

Quiz’s collapse underscores broader challenges facing UK retail. Many legacy fashion and high street brands have wrestled with rising operational costs, including business rates and wage pressures, alongside competition from online and ultra-fast fashion retailers. Analysts say this latest insolvency reflects structural issues within the sector as consumer habits shift further toward digital channels and value-led shopping.

As the administration process unfolds, employees affected by redundancies are being offered available support, while the future of Quiz’s physical and digital presence hangs in the balance.