Fashion chain New Look to shut another store this month after string of closures

A major chain is closing yet another store this month after a string of closures over the last few weeks. will be closing its Bexleyheath store next week on April 19.

The New Look branch - situated in Broadway Shopping Centre - has recently launched a major closing-down sale with prices cut by up to 70%. Shoppers took to social media to share their frustration on the news, with many claiming that they had never seen the branch be as busy as it was currently.

Others shared their sympathies with the staff who are set to lose their jobs. New Look has not confirmed how many people will be affected by the closure. On , one user said, "Sad for all the staff losing their jobs (my daughter included)." Another added, "All the ladies are losing their jobs, so sad."

In a statement, a New Look spokesperson said: "Our Bexleyheath store is set to close on 19 April. We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years. We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found."

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Bexleyheath is the latest New Look location to close this year, after three branches shut last month. The retailer shut its St Austell branch in Cornwall permanently on March 4, its Gateshead site, in Tyne and Wear on March 9, and its St George’s Shopping Centre branch in Preston on March 20. Another New Look branch in Corby is also set to close on June 1.

Earlier this year, the Times reported that the chain was looking to "accelerate future store closures" when leases expire. The newspaper said this was due to the tax increases revealed in October’s budget.

According to the report, around a quarter of its 364 UK stores - around 91 sites - were set to be at risk of closure. New Look did not confirm this report at the time. However, a large number of New Look sites have closed down since the start of the year.

On the UK closures, a New Look spokesperson previously said: "Our store estate is an important part of our business, alongside our best-in-class website and app.

"We have recently invested over £3million in our stores in Greater Manchester to trial new omnichannel initiatives to improve customer experience. We also continue to invest in our thriving online platform which has resulted in a strong online sales performance, with volumes significantly outpacing last year and an improved online margin."

"On occasion we do have to close stores, either due to the landlord’s request or because the site becomes unviable. However, we always remain on the lookout for appropriate new opportunities across the country and continue to invest in our existing store estate."

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