Zavvi shuts after 19 years as it enters administration again

Zavvi described itself as "the home of pop culture", selling films, TV merchandise, collectables, clothing and other products linked to major entertainment brands and franchises, including Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Pokémon.

Zavvi was created in 2007 from the former UK arm of Virgin Megastores and quickly became one of Britain's biggest entertainment retailers.

However, the chain collapsed into administration in December 2008, with all its high-street stores shutting the following year.

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The Zavvi brand was rescued after being acquired by The Hut Group and was relaunched as an online-only retailer in 2009.

Although the original Zavvi Group Ltd was formally dissolved in 2015, the brand continued trading online under the new Hut Group ownership until now.

Zavvi closes after falling into administration

Now, 17 years after the Zavvi relaunch, the company has ceased trading, having fallen into administration for a second time.

A statement on the Zavvi website reads: "Chris Skey and Kerry Bailey of BDO LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of ZavviGroup Ltd (the ‘Company’), which trades as Zavvi, on 12 October 2026.

"The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Joint Administrators.

"Administration is a formal insolvency process.

"As a result of the Company’s financial position, the Company has ceased trading with immediate effect."

All Zavvi orders cancelled

Zavvi's website has now been shut down, and the company has confirmed that all outstanding orders have been cancelled.

The Zavvi website explains: "The Company is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders.

"Customers should not place any new orders through the Company’s website.

"Please also note that we are unable to accept any returns for items of any kind."

Customers are advised to contact their payment providers to see if they can recover their payment.

The statement continued: "Depending on the payment method and the circumstances of the transaction, customers may be able to make a claim under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, request a chargeback, or use another buyer-protection process.

"The Joint Administrators have established a dedicated customer enquiries inbox: Zavvigroupltd@bdo.co.uk.

"Customers who email this address will receive an automated response containing a detailed Frequently Asked Questions document and information about submitting a claim in the administration.

"Due to the significant number of affected customers, the Joint Administrators will not ordinarily be able to provide individual responses to questions addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions.

"Customers should therefore read the automated response carefully before sending any further correspondence."

Zavvi was created in 2007 from the former UK arm of Virgin Megastores. (Image: PA)

Further updates will be published on the Zavvi website when available.

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands Claire's and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation in May.

Whitbread closed all its standalone branded restaurants across the UK last month, affecting it five brands:

• Brewers Fayre
• Beefeater
• Bar + Block
• Table Table
• Cookhouse + Pub

TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also be closing around 150 stores each across the UK.

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

• River Island
• Primark
• Poundland
• Revolution
• BrewDog
• Franco Manca

Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026, including:

• Regen Central Ltd
• Gold Crest Holidays
• Asiara UK Ltd
• Simply Florida Travel Ltd
• Trav Expert Ltd
• Strachan Travel Ltd
• Travel Bespoke Ltd
• Global Vision International
• Ski Yodl Ltd
• TS Travels Group
• Yourtravelshop.com
• TS Travel Realisations Ltd
• Firefly Holidays
• Fraser Travel Ltd
• Golf Villa Rentals Ltd
• Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd
• Global Travel Partners

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services "until further notice" as it looks to appoint an administrator.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

• Ascend Airways (liquidation)
• EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
• Zenith Aviation Limited (administration)
• European Cargo (administration)

UK delivery company Yodel was phased out completely in July after being acquired by InPost.

Meanwhile, iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

It hasn't all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Joules, B&M, Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

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