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Gap is set to close 19 of its stores across the UK and Ireland as their leases expire on 31 July 2021.
The US clothing and accessories retailer confirmed that is stepping away from the sites as part of a strategic review of its operations, which commenced last Autumn.
While the locations have yet to be revealed, the company’s entire remaining portfolio of 50 standalone and outlet stores is also under review.
Gap’s strategic review included the intention to secure partnership deals for its stores across Europe, seeing the move as a “strong and cost-effective way to amplify the brand”.
Although this has been achieved in major European markets such as France and Italy, no such deal has yet been made in the UK and Ireland.
The October 2020 review also included possible plans to close the group’s EU distribution centre in Rugby.
Moreover, the recent streamlining of Gap’s portfolio has not been limited to bricks and mortar European sites, with the group offloading its Janie and Jack premium children’s fashion brand to Go Global Retail this March.
