Pavers Store Closures 2026: Plymouth & Newport List
On 8 February 2026, the shutters went down for the final time on New George Street, Plymouth. This move marks a significant shift for Pavers Shoes, one of the UK’s largest independent footwear retailers. While the brand remains a retail powerhouse with over 170 locations, recent headlines about Pavers store closures in high-footfall areas like Plymouth and Newport (Isle of Wight) have raised questions among loyal customers and industry watchers alike.
Is this a sign of wider trouble on the high street, or a strategic pivot towards “destination shopping”?
This guide breaks down the confirmed 2026 closures, analyzes the verified financial data behind these decisions, and provides essential advice on refunds and returns for affected local shoppers.
Confirmed Pavers Shoes Closures in 2026 (The List)
The retail landscape in 2026 is unforgiving. Rising operational costs and shifting consumer habits have forced many heritage brands to re-evaluate their physical footprint. Pavers is no exception. Below is the verified list of branches that have ceased trading or are scheduled to close in early 2026.
New George Street, Plymouth (Closed 8 February 2026)
For shoppers in Plymouth city centre, the closure of the New George Street branch is the end of an era. The store officially ceased trading on Sunday, 8 February 2026.
In the weeks leading up to the closure, the store held a significant clearance event. Staff confirmed that the decision was driven by the expiration of the lease, a common trigger for closures when landlords and retailers cannot agree on renewed terms, particularly given the current volatility of business rates in city centres.
Local Shopper Insight:
If you missed the “Everything Must Go” sale, don’t worry about returns. Staff at the New George Street branch were advising customers that all warranties and returns are being honoured at their other local branch.
Where to go instead: The Pavers store on The Barbican (approx. 10 minutes away) remains fully operational. It stocks the same range of comfort footwear and wide-fit options.
Towngate Retail Park, Newport (Closing February 2026)
Residents of the Isle of Wight face a more difficult situation. The Pavers store at Towngate Retail Park, Newport, is also scheduled to close its doors permanently in February 2026.
Reports from local sources, including the Island Echo, indicate that this closure leaves the island without a dedicated Pavers branch. Unlike Plymouth, where an alternative store exists just a mile away, Newport residents will now need to rely on the online store or travel to the mainland for the in-store experience.
Are More Pavers Stores Closing?
At the time of writing, Pavers has not announced a company-wide administration or mass closure program similar to what we saw with other high-street giants in 2024 and 2025.
The current closures appear to be strategic lease-end decisions. Retailers often review the profitability of specific “bricks-and-mortar” units as their leases come up for renewal. If a specific store’s overheads (rent, energy, staffing) outweigh its revenue, especially when compared to online sales growth, closing that single unit is a standard business calculation to protect the wider company.
The Financial “Why”: Analyzing Pavers Shoes Performance (2025/2026)
To understand why these specific Pavers store closures are happening, we need to look at the numbers. We dug into the official filings from Companies House to see the financial health of Pavers Limited.
2024 vs. 2025 Profit Comparison
The company’s latest full accounts (covering the financial year ending early 2025) show a dip in profitability despite solid sales.
| Metric | 2024 Performance | 2025 Performance | Change |
| Turnover (Revenue) | £100M+ (Est.) | Stable | ↔️ |
| Pre-Tax Profit | £10.9 Million | £9.66 Million | ⬇️ £1.24M Decrease |
| Key Cost Drivers | Standard Inflation | Wage Increases, Energy, Freight | ⬆️ |
Source: Companies House (Pavers Limited Filing History), 2025.
Rising Operational Costs and Business Rates
The drop in pre-tax profit to £9.66 million highlights the pressure on margins. Pavers cited rising “employment costs” (driven by increases in the National Living Wage) and operational expenses as primary factors.
When a physical store’s lease ends, the company must decide if renewing that lease is viable. If a store in Plymouth or Newport is barely breaking even due to these rising costs, the £1.24 million profit dip makes the decision to close that specific unit much easier. It is a protective measure to ensure the remaining 170+ stores stay profitable.
The Shift to “Destination Shopping”
There is a distinct pattern in the stores that remain open. Pavers is investing heavily in “destination” locations, garden centres, outlet villages, and tourist spots (like The Barbican in Plymouth), while reducing its presence on traditional high streets (like New George Street).
Why?
- Parking: Garden centres offer free parking; city centres do not.
- Demographics: The core Pavers customer often prefers a relaxed, out-of-town shopping experience over the hustle of a declining city centre.
- Footfall: High streets have seen footfall drop significantly since 2020, while destination retail parks have recovered faster.
Footwear Retail Trends UK: Is the High Street in Crisis?
The Pavers store closures do not exist in a vacuum. They are part of a broader “correction” in the UK retail market expected throughout 2026.
Online Penetration vs. In-Person Appeal
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), online retail sales as a percentage of total retail sales hovered near 28% in late 2025. For footwear, this number is often higher because customers are now comfortable ordering multiple sizes and returning what doesn’t fit.
However, footwear remains a category where “try-before-you-buy” matters. This is why Pavers isn’t moving to an online-only model. They are simply moving their physical stores to where their customers actually want to go.
Consumer Spending Power in 2026
Inflation may have cooled compared to the 2023 peaks, but disposable income remains tight. Consumers are becoming more selective. They will travel for a “day out” shopping experience (supporting the destination strategy) but are less likely to make impulsive purchases on a run-down high street.
Expert Analysis:
The closure of the Newport branch is particularly telling. Island logistics increase freight costs significantly. If the local footfall doesn’t justify the extra shipping expense to get stock across the Solent, the branch becomes a financial drain. It’s a logistics calculation as much as a retail one.
Consumer Rights: What to Do If Your Local Store Closes
If you bought a pair of boots from the Plymouth store on February 7th, and it closed on February 8th, where do you stand?
Returns, Exchanges, and Refunds
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, your rights do not vanish just because a physical building closes. The legal entity “Pavers Limited” still exists.
- Faulty Goods: You still have the standard 30 days to reject a faulty item. You can return these via post (contact customer service for a label) or at any other Pavers store.
- Change of Mind: If you simply don’t like the shoes, Pavers’ standard policy applies. You can usually return unworn items to any other branch.
- The “Lost Receipt” Problem: If you paid by card, your bank statement is valid proof of purchase for faulty items. For “change of mind” returns without a receipt, most retailers will only offer an exchange at the current selling price, which might be lower if the item was in a clearance sale.
Can I Still Use My Pavers Gift Cards?
Yes. This is the most common worry.
- Your gift card is valid at all 170+ remaining UK stores.
- It is valid online at pavers.co.uk.
- It is not affected by individual store closures because the parent company is solvent and trading profitably.
My Pro-Tip for Newport Residents:
Since you no longer have a local store, use your gift card online. Pavers often offers free delivery over a certain spend threshold. If you are unsure about sizing, check their “Fit Guide” on the website carefully before ordering, or order two sizes and use their postal return service for the one that doesn’t fit.
Where to Shop Now: Alternative Locations
If you are missing your local browsing fix, here are the nearest alternatives for the affected locations.
For Plymouth Shoppers
You are lucky to have a surviving branch very close by.
- Pavers The Barbican:
- Location: 36 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2LE.
- Distance: Approx. 0.6 miles from the closed New George St store.
- Vibe: Located in the historic quarter, perfect for combining a shoe shop with a coffee by the harbour.
For Isle of Wight (Newport) Shoppers
The options are harder here, requiring a ferry crossing.
- Nearest Mainland Store:
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Pavers Port Solent: The Boardwalk, Port Solent, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP.
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Access: Accessible via the Portsmouth ferry. It’s a large outlet store with good stock levels.
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How to Check Your Local Store Status
Before making a long journey, always verify the store is still trading.
- Go to the Official Pavers Store Locator.
- Enter your postcode.
- Crucial Step: Call the number listed. Sometimes Google Maps is slow to update “Permanently Closed” status, but the store staff will always know!
Final Thoughts: The Future of Pavers
The Pavers store closures in Plymouth and Newport are undeniably disappointing for local staff and loyal customers. It is never easy to see empty units on our high streets.
However, the financial data suggests these are calculated decisions to trim fat, not a sign of a company in crisis. With a pre-tax profit of nearly £10 million in 2025, Pavers remains a stable business. They are simply following the money, moving away from high-rent city centres and towards the destination retail parks and garden centres where their core customers prefer to shop.
For the savvy shopper, the advice is simple: check the store locator, embrace the online store for wider stock options, and don’t panic about your gift cards. The brand isn’t going anywhere; it’s just moving house.
FAQs
Is Pavers Shoes going bust in 2026?
No. Pavers Limited posted a pre-tax profit of £9.66 million in their 2025 accounts. The closures are strategic lease-end decisions, not an administration process.
Which Pavers store is closing in Plymouth?
The branch on New George Street closed on 8 February 2026. The store on The Barbican remains open.
Where is the nearest Pavers to Newport, Isle of Wight?
With the Newport branch closing, the nearest physical stores are on the mainland, such as Port Solent in Portsmouth.
Can I return shoes bought at a closing Pavers store?
Yes. You can return items to any other Pavers branch or via post. Your consumer rights remain protected by Pavers Limited.
How many stores does Pavers have in the UK?
As of early 2026, Pavers operates approximately 170+ stores across the UK and Ireland.
Is the Pavers store on the Plymouth Barbican still open?
Yes, the Barbican store is open and trading as normal.
What happened to Pavers Shoes’ profits in 2025?
Profits dipped slightly to £9.66 million (from £10.9 million in 2024) due to rising wages and operational costs, but the company remains profitable.
Who owns Pavers Shoes?
Pavers is a family-owned business, founded by Catherine Paver in 1971. It is currently led by her son, Stuart Paver.
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