The high-street fashion retailer New Look has announced the closure of 26 stores across Ireland, following its entryinto liquidation amid challenging market conditions. This decision, prompted by several years of sustained losses, will lead to approximately 350 job losses as the company seeks to wind down its operations.
New Look's Irish branch officially entered liquidation following a recent ruling from the High Court, resulting in provisional liquidators overseeing the brand's operations. Affected stores are currently hosting sales to clear remaining stock, but this marks the end of New Look's presence on the Irish high street.
The company opened its first store in Ireland back in 2003 but has struggled to keep pace with rapidly changing retail dynamics. New Look’s management stated, “New Look has undergone several changes to adapt to the current market, including marketing initiatives, store adaptations, and price range trials.” Despite these efforts, the company concluded, “Following a strategic review of our Irish business, New Look Group concluded it was no longer viable to continue trading in Ireland.”
The processing of liquidation commenced with all relevant store locations listed for closure. The stores to be shut down include multiple outlets across Dublin, Cork, Galway, and beyond. Specific locations set for closure include the Northside Shopping Centre, Liffey Valley, Tallaght, and Jervis Street, among others. Customers holding gift cards or loyalty points will be advised to use them right away as these stores make their final sales before permanently shutting their doors.
Officials have indicated there will be a 30-day consultation period with the employees who are about to lose their jobs. This period is intended to help determine the specifics of redundancies and assess potential redeployment within the company’s remaining operations. The Irish Labour party has expressed serious concerns about the human impact of such decisions. Party spokesperson George Lawlor remarked, “Workers must be provided clarity on redundancy terms or redeployment options. They cannot be left in limbo.”
This large-scale closure of New Look stores highlights the broader struggles faced by many high-street fashion retailers today. While New Look will continue focus on its UK stores, where it has no plans for closures, it reflects the pressures faced across the industry as shifting consumer habits and online buying patterns reshape retail landscapes.
While these developments for New Look are alarming for the affected employees and customers, they are not isolated incidents. Competitors like Select are also facing store closures after entering administration. The high street continues to see significant shakeups as companies adjust to the realities of the market.
The news of New Look’s Irish store closures serves as another reminder of the challenges faced by traditional retail sectors, prompting discussions about the future and viability of high-street shopping as online platforms become increasingly dominant.