A men’s apparel brand based in the UK has closed down operations after going into administration. Great Clothing Ltd, known as Big Boys, specialized in offering plus-size clothing for men, ranging from sizes 2XL to 10XL. The company, situated in Leeds, employed an average of 12 individuals in 2025.
Chris Brooksbank from CB Business Recovery Ltd has been appointed as the administrator for the company. A statement on the Big Boys website mentioned that the decision to cease trading was made after thorough deliberation due to the financial difficulties the company was facing.
An insolvency practice has been engaged to oversee the company’s affairs, with their licensed Insolvency Practitioner soon to be appointed as the administrator. The administrator will take charge of managing the company’s operations, business, and assets, acting on behalf of the company without personal liability.
In other retail news, River Island is set to shut down at least 27 stores this month as part of a significant restructuring plan. The struggling fashion retailer had previously announced the closure of 33 stores, including branches in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees that closed towards the end of 2025.
Stores in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria are also on the list of 33 closures, with closure dates pending confirmation. Additionally, River Island is reducing rents at another 71 stores as part of its restructuring efforts. The clothing chain had a total of 223 stores in the UK and Ireland when its rescue plan was presented in court in August.
Poundland is also undergoing changes, planning to shut down 12 stores in January following approval from the High Court. The discount retailer had already closed 57 stores by the end of September after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1. Poundland, which had 800 branches previously, anticipates reducing its store count to around 650 to 700 through a combination of closures and lease expirations.
The discount chain has introduced a simplified pricing structure of £1, £2, and £3 in its UK stores, with approximately 60% of grocery items priced at £1, 20% at £2, and 20% at £3 under the new system. Poundland has also updated its website to offer only product browsing, discontinuing online purchasing options.