Leading Labels, a discount retailer selling men’s and women’s designer fashion at reduced prices, is closing all 15 of its stores across the UK as the company enters liquidation. The chain, which has been a staple for bargain hunters since 1993, has started clearance sales with 'everything must go' signs in every branch.
Stores affected by the closure
The full list of 15 stores that will be shut includes locations in Basildon, Boston, Bury, Carlisle, Cleethorpes, Clowne, Evesham, Hornsea, Ipswich, Kidderminster, Lincoln, Norwich, Stevenage, Balloch (Scotland), and Cumbernauld (Scotland). The majority of these stores are situated in the South East and the Midlands, with two in Scotland.
Liquidation process
Jeremy Bleazard of XL Business Solutions Limited was appointed as liquidator on May 26, 2026, with an official notice published in The Gazette on June 1. The notice confirmed that the company would be wound up voluntarily. Leading Labels’ website is offline, customer service lines are unanswered, and emails bounce back. According to Companies House, the company has overdue accounts dating back to 2024.
The Bolton branch had already closed a few months earlier, with a spokesperson for The Market Place shopping centre citing 'internal difficulties' as the reason.
Background on Leading Labels
Founded in 1993, Leading Labels was known for offering discounted fashion from major brands such as Calvin Klein, Wrangler, and Joules. The retailer attracted shoppers looking for outlet prices on designer labels. However, financial troubles have led to its collapse, with all remaining stores now holding clearance sales to liquidate stock.
Customers are advised to check for any ongoing sales at their local stores before the final closures, as the company winds down its operations.
