Apple is reshaping its retail presence in South East England, with one long-running store preparing to close and another getting a major expansion. Apple Festival Place in Basingstoke will permanently shut in November 2026 after serving customers for 15 years.
Meanwhile, Apple plans to reopen its redesigned Apple The Oracle store in Reading during December. The changes form part of the company’s broader strategy to open, relocate, expand and occasionally close retail locations worldwide.
Basingstoke Store Ends a 15-Year Run
Apple Festival Place first opened in August 2011. However, its doors will close permanently this November. Until then, the location will continue serving customers as normal.
Apple thanked the Basingstoke community for supporting the store throughout its 15-year history. After the closure, customers can visit nearby Apple Stores or use Apple’s online shopping services. Apple Authorised Resellers and Service Providers will also remain available across South East England.
Importantly, Apple plans to offer affected employees other opportunities. Every Festival Place team member can seek a position at Apple The Oracle or another Apple Store location.
Apple The Oracle Gets a Bigger Home
Apple The Oracle opened in Reading’s Oracle Shopping Center in June 2011. Now, the company will move the store into larger premises within the same shopping destination.
Apple says the completely redesigned location will reopen in December. Moreover, the larger store will provide new ways for customers to explore products, shop and receive device support.
The Reading store sits about 18 miles from Festival Place, making it the nearest Apple Store for Basingstoke customers. Southampton’s WestQuay is roughly 30 miles away, while another location is about 35 miles away.
Apple Continues UK Retail Changes
Once Festival Place closes, Apple will operate 38 stores across the UK. The company has also moved some existing locations into larger spaces and continues upgrading others.
Therefore, the Basingstoke closure appears to reflect a wider retail reshuffle rather than a retreat from physical stores. As one location ends its 15-year run, Apple is investing in a larger nearby store to serve the region.
