The Gap store in Richmond is set to close down after the clothing retailer announced it was shutting all of its 81 stores in the UK and moving to online sales only.

The closure of the shop at 47 George Street, next door to Accessorize, comes as part of a strategic review by the company into its operations in Europe.

Staff were informed yesterday (June 30) by the company, that said it is transforming to become a digital first business.

Ellen Amorina Storrar, Manager at Be Richmond, said: "Whilst it's disappointing to hear that Gap has decided to close its UK stores, we're lucky to have a great range of big brands and unique independents that attract shoppers and visitors to Richmond town centre.

"We're seeing new retail and hospitality names open up on a regular basis here, bringing vibrancy and interest to the high street as it recovers from a difficult year."

Richmond borough's other Gap store on Kew Retail Park will also be closing and moving online.

A Gap spokesperson said: "As part of our 2023 Power Plan, Gap began a strategic review of the company-operated business in Europe last year with the goal of finding new, more cost-effective ways to maintain a presence and serve customers in Europe.

"We conducted an extensive evaluation of potential partners for our Gap business in France, Italy, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

"During this process, it became clear that we would likely have a different outcome in each market.

"In the United Kingdom and Europe, we are going to maintain our Gap online business. The e-commerce business continues to grow and we want to meet our customers where they are shopping.

"We're becoming a digital first business and we're looking for a partner to help drive our online business.

"However, due to market dynamics in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, we shared with our team that we are proposing to close all company-operated Gap Specialty and Gap Outlet stores in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in a phased manner from the end of August through the end of September 2021.

"We are thoughtfully moving through the consultation process with our European team, and we will provide support and transition assistance for our colleagues as we look to wind down stores.

"Gap has served customers in the United Kingdom since 1987 and the Republic of Ireland since 2006. We are keen to maintain our presence in these markets."

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