Gap to close 19 stores in the UK
American retailer Gap will close 19 stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland following a strategic review of the company.
The remaining 50 standalone and outlet stores in the UK and Ireland are still under review, fashion news site Drapers first reported, and will continue to operate until a decision has been made.
The location of the 19 stores due to close is currently unknown.
Last year Gap launched a strategic review of the company that considered closing all of its stores in the UK and in other European countries.
Last October the company also said it was reviewing its warehouse and distribution model and its Gap and Banana Republic-owner e-commerce operations in Europe.
Parts of Gap’s European business could be transferred to third parties in a partnership model, the company said at the time.
In a statement Gap said: “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 for our UK and ROI business, customers may continue shopping Gap online or at one of our other 50+ Gap stores.”