A UK high street giant is closing almost three dozen stores over the next seven weeks. River Island is moving ahead with plans to close 33 stores in a restructuring bid following heavy losses.

The clothing retailer's restructuring plan was approved by the High Court in August. Besides the closures, rent reductions and debt will be written off for 71 stores. River Island currently has over 200 shops nationwide - 122 of which will not be affected - and employs around 5,500 staff.

Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island, said: "We have a clear transformation strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the business, and this decision gives us a strong platform to deliver this."

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