Gap to close 19 stores in the UK and Ireland
US fashion retailer Gap is planning to close 19 stores across the UK and Ireland this summer.
The company has decided not to renew leases on the stores when they expire on 31 July following a strategy review and losses incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. The locations of the affected stores remain unknown and it is unclear how many jobs will be lost.
Gap undertook a review of its business last year and said at the time that this could lead to the shuttering of all stores in the UK, Ireland, France and Italy.
The closures mean that Gap will have 50 stores left in the UK and Ireland.
Gap said in a statement: “We believe in the power of Gap brand internationally. Through a strategic review begun last fall, we are evaluating our operating model in Europe.
“We are keen to maintain a presence in Europe. While we continue to look at different operating models or our UK and ROI business, customers may continue shopping Gap online or at one of our other 50-plus Gap stores.”
