When did Gap close down all UK and Ireland stores?

HIGH street giant Gap closed all of its UK and Ireland stores in 2021 after its sales plummeted.

The clothing chain said the move would mean it could focus on becoming a “digital first business”.

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But in March 2022, the brand announced that it would be returning to the British high street.

Below we explain when and why Gap closed its UK stores, and where you can buy its clothing now.

When did Gap shut down all of its UK stores?

The US retailer shut all of its UK stores “in a phased manner” between August and September 2021.

It come after a strategic review was launched to find “new, more cost-effective ways to maintain a presence and serve customers”, the statement said.

In 2019, Gap closed more than 200 stores worldwide amid plunging sales in a bid to save the brand.

Gap said it was carrying out the restructuring in an effort to “revitalise brand health”.

The iconic fashion giant was founded in 1969, opened its first outlets in the UK in 1987 and in the Republic of Ireland in 2006.

Why did Gap stores close down?

Gap had struggled against UK high street favourites like H&M, Primark, and Zara.

It came at a time that Britain’s high street was struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic, with experts branding it the “worst time ever for retail”.

The high street had also lost Debenhams and Arcadia – which owned Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins – as retail favourites battled to survive the impact of Covid.

Can you still shop from Gap in the UK and Ireland? 

Gap returned to the high street in March 2022, opening a concession in Next’s flagship store in Oxford Street, London.

It now has six stores across the UK.

Below is a list of Gap stores which are now open across the country:

You might not have to wait too long before a Gap pops up in your town, as the retailer’s website states that more store openings are planned for later this year.

Plus, you can also shop at Gap online – but remember you will have to pay a little extra for delivery.

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