The Regatta store at the Overgate Centre in Dundee closed its doors in April 2025, leaving local shoppers and retail observers asking why a well‑known outdoor clothing retailer exited a prominent city‑centre location. Though there has been no official statement from Regatta itself, the available evidence points to declining footfall, weaker sales and broader shifts in UK retail behaviour as the key factors behind the closure.
Why Did the Regatta Store in Dundee Close Down?
Regatta’s Dundee shop, located in the Overgate Centre, displayed closing‑down sale signs in April 2025, offering steep discounts of up to 70 % before the permanent exit of the store.
Although the company did not issue a formal explanation specific to this closure, various reports suggest that fewer visitors entering the store and subsequent reduced sales made the location financially unsustainable. Like many high‑street brands, Regatta was confronted with the reality that consistent foot traffic is essential to cover rising operating costs, including rent and staff wages.
Was the Regatta Dundee Store Already Facing Challenges?
According to industry observers, the Dundee store had been open only since 2022, taking over a unit formerly held by another retailer.
In the months leading up to the closure, several indicators suggested the store was struggling:
Shoppers and local reports noted:
- Reduced stock levels and limited sizes, as clearance activity increased.
- Empty shelves and fewer staff on the shop floor, especially nearer to closing time.
- Persistent lower than expected shopper visits, particularly during busy shopping periods.
These are familiar signs that a retail location is underperforming, often precipitating a decision to exit. The combination of these signals aligned with broader patterns seen across the UK’s high street.
Has Regatta Closed Other Stores Across the UK?
Yes. Regatta has previously shut other underperforming sites, such as a store in Chatham, Kent, in 2024, where similar issues of low footfall and lease expiry were prevalent.
The decision to close specific outlets does not imply a nationwide withdrawal. Rather, Regatta appears to be reviewing its physical presence and focusing on locations with stronger sales performance, while simultaneously expanding its online shopping platform to reach customers who increasingly prefer to browse and buy via digital channels.
How Have Local Shoppers Reacted to the Store’s Closure?
The closure drew noticeable reactions from Dundee shoppers, many of whom expressed disappointment and concern about the loss of a familiar high‑street brand. Residents took to social media to voice sentiments such as “There won’t be anything left here soon”, reflecting a worry that the city centre is losing its retail variety and appeal.
For many customers who valued being able to try outdoor clothing in person or benefit from seasonal offers, the closure represented more than the loss of a shop it was a sign of the changing retail experience.
What Does This Closure Mean for the Overgate Shopping Centre?
The Overgate Centre, a key retail destination in Dundee’s city centre, houses more than 60 shops and eateries.
Regatta’s departure emphasises broader challenges that shopping centres across the UK are facing. Even well‑located units can struggle if general footfall declines. As fewer shoppers circulate through the mall, retailers find it harder to meet sales targets that justify their operational costs.
It also feeds into a feedback loop: store closures reduce variety, which can discourage visits, further hurting remaining tenants. In this context, Regatta’s exit may prompt managers and local authorities to explore diversification strategies, such as introducing mixed‑use space, leisure experiences, or community‑based offerings, to sustain the centre’s appeal.
What Broader Trends Are Impacting High Street Retailers Like Regatta?
The Regatta Dundee closure is part of a wider national pattern where many well‑known brands have scaled back their physical footprint. A number of retailers, from clothing chains to newsagents and household names, have either announced closures or reduced store numbers in recent years.
Key pressures include:
- An ongoing shift to online shopping, accelerated by changing consumer habits.
- High operating costs including rent, utilities and wage increases.
- Volatile economic conditions and cautious consumer spending.
These forces challenge the traditional high‑street retail model, prompting businesses to rethink where and how they engage with customers.
When Did the Regatta Dundee Store Close?
The Regatta Dundee outlet officially shut in April 2025. Signs promoting a closing sale were spotted across April, with many customers taking advantage of discounts before the final trading days.
Although no exact date was widely published, the end of trading occurred toward the latter part of that month, and the store was no longer open by May 2025.
Where Can Dundee Shoppers Still Buy Regatta Products?
With the Dundee branch closed, local shoppers wanting Regatta products have alternatives:
- Online shopping via Regatta’s official UK website (offering the full range and delivery options).
- Visiting nearby cities where Regatta still operates other physical stores.
- Exploring local and national competitors offering outdoor apparel.
These options reflect how many brands are encouraging consumers toward e‑commerce when physical stores close.
What Can This Closure Teach Us About the Future of Outdoor Retail?
Several important insights emerge from this event:
- Brand recognition does not ensure success if local sales and footfall are weak.
- High‑street presence must adapt to customer behaviour that increasingly favours digital convenience.
- Physical stores still hold value for shoppers who enjoy in‑person experiences but this value must be balanced with financial sustainability.
For Dundee and other cities experiencing similar closures, the challenge will be to create retail and community spaces that remain relevant, engaging and economically viable.
Conclusion
The closure of the Regatta store in Dundee in 2025 reflects the ongoing challenges faced by high street retailers in the UK. With shifting consumer habits, reduced footfall, and increasing operational pressures, even well-known brands are reassessing their physical presence.
As of 2026, Regatta has not returned to Dundee, marking a continued reliance on online retail and stronger-performing locations. For local shoppers, the closure is both a loss of convenience and a sign of broader changes in how and where we shop.
FAQs
Why did Regatta choose to close its Dundee store?
The decision was influenced by declining footfall and weak in‑store sales, making it financially unsustainable to continue operations in that location.
How long was the Dundee Regatta store operating?
The Regatta store opened in 2022 and closed in April 2025, resulting in just over two years of trading.
Were there closing‑down sales before the closure?
Yes, the store offered discounts of up to 70 % off before its final days.
Is Regatta closing all its UK stores?
No. The brand continues to operate numerous locations nationally, but underperforming branches like the one in Dundee have been reviewed and closed.
What does this closure mean for the Overgate Centre?
Regatta’s exit adds to the ongoing challenges faced by high streets, reducing variety and potentially impacting overall footfall in the centre.
Are there alternatives to buying Regatta clothing locally?
Yes, shoppers can turn to online purchasing or visit other outdoor apparel shops in the region.
Was there an official announcement from Regatta?
No specific official statement has been published about the Dundee closure, though the closing‑down signs and sales made the situation clear.