High street retailer Gap set to axe 19 UK and Ireland stores

Gap has not yet announced how many jobs will be lost when the shops close their doors
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Gap has said it plans to close 19 stores in the UK and Ireland next month as part of a shake-up aimed to return the brand to growth.

The US-based retailer said it is proposing to close the shops when their leases end in July.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We want to hear from you: let us know what you think about this story and be part of the debate in our comments section below

Gap has confirmed it plans to shut 19 shops in the UK and Ireland at the end of next month (PA).Gap has confirmed it plans to shut 19 shops in the UK and Ireland at the end of next month (PA).
Gap has confirmed it plans to shut 19 shops in the UK and Ireland at the end of next month (PA).

At a glance: 5 key points

- Gap has not clarified how many jobs will be impacted

- The retailer has also not disclosed which of its stores will shut

- It said the decision will leave it with around 50 other standalone and outlet stores, although the group said it is continuing to assess its current portfolio as part of a strategic review it started last year

- In October last year, Gap said it could potentially close all its UK, Ireland, France and Italy stores as part of the review as its responds to a slump in trading

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

- The company said on Wednesday that it is “keen to maintain a presence in Europe” – but this could include greater focus on its online sales

What’s been said

“We are proposing to close 19 Gap stores in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland that have leases ending at the end of July 2021.

“These leases are not being extended due to the strategic review that we have under way.”

A spokeswoman for Gap

Background

It follows the collapse of Debenhams which closed its doors for the final time on 15 May after a 243-year reign on the high street.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Major fashion rival Topshop also shut after tumbling into administration following the impact of the pandemic.

Gap was among non-essential retailers to reopen their UK stores from April 12.

Additional reporting by PA.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.