Gap has revealed its comeback to the UK retail scene by introducing three new standalone stores. The renowned American fashion brand is set to inaugurate its flagship store in Covent Garden on November 6, followed by additional outlets in Westfield London on December 4 and Wembley Park London Designer Outlet on December 12.
According to reports from fashion industry publication Drapers, each store will feature a variety of Gap clothing and collections. Gap first entered the UK market back in 1987 but closed its last UK store in September 2021.
Currently, Gap operates four shop-in-shop concepts within Next stores, including locations in Oxford Street, London, Braehead in Glasgow, and Trafford and Arndale shopping centers in Manchester.
Furthermore, Gap holds over 40 concessions in Next stores throughout England and Ireland. The partnership is structured with Next owning a 51% stake and Gap holding the remaining 49%. Despite the closure of physical stores, Gap has maintained its online presence.
In a statement made during the announcement of store closures in 2021, Gap mentioned, “Due to market conditions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, we have informed our staff 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 the end of September 2021. We are working through the consultation process with our European team and will provide assistance to our employees as we proceed with store wind-downs.”
In other retail news, M&S has disclosed the opening date for its new flagship store in Bristol. The supermarket will unveil its branch in Cabot Circus in Bristol city center on November 13. Spanning 80,000 square feet, the store will offer a range of M&S products including food, clothing, home essentials, and beauty items across three floors.
The foodhall will feature an in-store bakery, fresh market selections from M&S Select Farms, and a variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The M&S coffee shop, with 200 seats, will serve freshly prepared breakfast items, toasties, wraps, sandwiches, as well as a selection of coffee and iced beverages.
The Bristol Cabot Circus store is part of M&S’s investment plan, including the opening of sixteen stores across the UK this financial year, such as Bath Southgate, as part of a £300 million commitment.
