Gap ‘considering closing all 70 shops’ in the UK
GAP is considering closing all 70 shops in the UK as well as 59 others across Europe. This would put hundreds of jobs at risk.
In the latest casualty of the UK high street, the company has said it wants to operate in Europe through “partnerships”. This could potentially be both online and for bricks and mortar sites.
The high street staple currently has 158 franchise shops in Europe as well as company-owned outlets, having opened in 1987.
The future of its distribution centre in Warwickshire is also in doubt.
It has already closed some of its UK sites, as well as its Banana Republic chain and had said earlier this year that it plans to close 225 unprofitable outlets.
A Gap spokesperson said: “We believe in the power of Gap brand internationally and we are looking at how we bring the brand to life around the globe. We have a strong franchise partner model for international markets, with 400+ Gap franchise stores in 35 countries, including Europe. We are exploring different ways to operate our Gap business in Europe.
"One of the options that will be explored is the possible closure of our company-owned and operated Gap Specialty and Gap Outlet/Gap Stock stores in the UK, France, Ireland and Italy at the end of the second quarter next year. The business is also looking at different ways to serve European customers such as franchise, third-party partnerships and alternative ways to operate the European e-commerce business.”
The UK’s high street has struggled to withstand the reduced footfall brought about by coronavirus lockdowns across the country. Working from home has also reduced city-centre traffic for retailers.
It's among other retailers experiencing the same reduction in sales. Last week, news broke that Peacocks and Jaeger owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill is preparing to shut 50 stores with the loss of 600 jobs, as it teeters on the brink of administration.
Bosses had previously written to staff warning that the national and local lockdowns had hit sales heavily.
Debenhams also said in August it would cut thousands of jobs, as it fights for survival.
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So far the crisis has also seen women's fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse disappear from the high street in a move that saw 1,800 jobs lost.
Laura Ashley also closed all of its 150 stores putting 2,700 jobs at risk.
Suit shop TM Lewin shut all 66 outlets putting 600 jobs at risk.
Even high street stalwart M&S has confirmed it will ditch 7,000 shop floor worker roles.