Iceland, the UK’s popular frozen food supermarket chain, has confirmed it will close two of its stores this summer as part of a strategic review of its retail footprint.
The College Square branch in Margate, Kent, is scheduled to shut its doors on June 21, 2025, while the Rose Street store in Inverness, Scotland, will close on July 12.
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The closure of the Inverness location is especially significant as it will leave the city without an Iceland store, with the nearest alternative being in Aberdeen.
The company stated that staff affected by the closures will enter a consultation period and may be offered roles at nearby branches.
Customers in Inverness have expressed disappointment, with many citing longstanding issues like limited parking as contributing factors to the decision.
Part of a larger downsizing trend
These closures are not isolated. Since 2023, Iceland has closed more than 20 locations across the UK in response to changing shopping habits, lease issues, and site performance.
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By GlobalDataAmong the previously shuttered stores are branches in Welling, Borehamwood, and Exeter. Despite this, Iceland is also investing in new store openings and infrastructure — including a £100 million distribution centre in Warrington, which now supplies hundreds of stores across several regions.
Executive Chairman Richard Walker has stated that Iceland opens over 20 new stores a year on average, but also makes targeted closures to streamline operations and better serve demand.
A shift toward larger warehouse-style stores
While closing some smaller or underperforming outlets, Iceland is actively growing its chain of larger Food Warehouse stores.
These sites offer an expanded product range and are generally located in high-traffic retail parks, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences. The company plans to double its network of these larger stores in the coming years.
Although the closures in Margate and Inverness are a blow to local shoppers, Iceland maintains that the moves are necessary to support long-term growth and adapt to evolving market trends.
