Gap examines 19 store closures, latest blow to UK high streets

There was more pain for Main Street earlier as it emerged that Gap is planning to close 19 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland this summer.

The US-based clothing company announced in October that it was embarking on a strategic review of options for its Gap business in Europe, one of which is to potentially close the sites it operates directly in the UK. United, in Ireland, in France and in Italy.

Today, a spokesperson for the company said: “We are proposing to close 19 Gap stores with leases ending at the end of July 2021. These leases are not being extended due to the strategic review we have underway. . “

The retailer did not give details on the location of branches or the number of employees who could be affected, but it marks another blow to main streets across the UK.

It would have about fifty shops in the regions after the proposed slaughter. The company would also still have its offer online here.

Chains that have disappeared from malls and city centers this year include Debenhams and Topshop. Brick and mortar retail has been hit by lockdowns at various times throughout the pandemic.

There were around 14,809 permanent retail store closures in the UK between March 2020 and February 2021, according to figures from the Center for Retail Research. It was deeper than 14,436 the year before.

Gap aims to strike store partnership agreements for each European country in which it operates, according to fashion magazine Drapers, which first reported the latest closures. This can include franchise agreements.

The spokesperson for the company said: “We are keen to maintain a presence in Europe. As we continue to examine different operating models for our UK business and ROI, customers can continue to buy Gap online or at any of our other 50 Gap stores.

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