High street dealt major blow as popular fashion retailer to close stores within DAYS

One branch set to pull down the shutters tomorrow is the Riverside Shopping Centre, Evesham store, according to Worcester News.

Followed by the Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Bristol branch, which is due to close on August 9.

The Crossgates Shopping Centre, Leeds branch is also set to close at the end of August.

But the exact date this store will shut has not yet been confirmed.

A New Look spokesperson said: "As part of the normal course of business, New Look occasionally closes stores, while also undertaking relocations and new site openings.

"While some sites have closed recently, we have opened a number of new stores this year and we remain on the lookout for appropriate new opportunities across the country."

In 2018, the fashion retailer sought approval from creditors to cut 1,600 staff and close more than 85 stores after poor performance and struggling to pay back loans.

New Look has already closed 12 stores since the start of the year but the retailer says it plan to open more this year.

The high street has suffered several blows this year as stores struggle due to the surge in popularity of online shopping and reduced footfall during the coronavirus pandemic.

High inflation also means consumers have less money to spend on products.

Earlier this month, Boots announced that it will close 300 stores over the course of the year.

The retailer is reducing its portfolio from around 2200 to just 1900, with with four stores having already been axed since the start of 2023.

The exact locations of sites have not yet been confirmed but those which are set to shut are said to be shops which are close to another site.