Gap has revealed its comeback to the UK high street by introducing three new independent stores. The renowned US clothing brand is set to launch its flagship store in Covent Garden on November 6, followed by outlets in Westfield London on December 4 and Wembley Park London Designer Outlet on December 12.
According to industry publication Drapers, each store will feature a variety of Gap clothing and collections. Gap initially entered the UK market in 1987 but closed its last UK store in September 2021. Presently, Gap operates four shop-in-shop concepts within Next stores, including locations in Oxford Street, London, Braehead, Glasgow, Trafford, and Arndale shopping centers in Manchester.
Additionally, Gap has over 40 concessions in Next stores throughout England and Ireland. The partnership is split with Next owning 51% and Gap owning 49%. Despite the closure of physical stores, Gap maintained its online presence.
In a statement regarding the store closures in 2021, Gap mentioned, “Due to market conditions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, we have informed our team about the proposal to gradually close all company-operated Gap Specialty and Gap Outlet stores in the UK and Ireland from the end of August to September 2021.” The company assured to support and assist employees during the transition phase.
In other retail developments, M&S has disclosed the opening date for its new flagship store in Bristol. The supermarket will inaugurate its branch in Cabot Circus in Bristol city center on November 13. The expansive 80,000 sq ft store will feature M&S food, clothing, home, and beauty products spread across three floors.
The foodhall will include an in-store bakery, fresh market offerings from M&S Select Farms, and a diverse selection of M&S sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Additionally, the M&S coffee shop will accommodate 200 seats and provide a range of freshly prepared breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, and barista-made coffee.
M&S’ Bristol Cabot Circus store is part of the 16 M&S stores opening across the UK in this financial year, including the Bath Southgate branch, as part of a £300 million investment.