Gap closes all stores in the UK, it remains to sell online

The US clothing chain Gap announced on Thursday that it will close all 81 of its stores in Britain and Ireland by September, but will remain there to sell online. Gap also stated that it has potential buyers for its stores in France and Italy. The move comes after the pandemic of the new coronavirus and its associated blockades around the world hit the so-called stone shops with non-basic goods hard, but also encouraged online shopping. "We will maintain our Gap online store in the UK and Europe," the chain said in a statement. "E-commerce continues to grow and we want to satisfy our customers where they shop. We are becoming a digital company in particular, "he added. The chain proposes to close all stores operated by Gap Specialty and Gap Outlet in the UK and Ireland, respectively, from late August to late September. According to Gap, the reason for this step is "market dynamics" in both countries. Gap entered the market in Britain in 1987 and in Ireland in 2006. The decision to close brick-and-mortar stores follows a "strategic review" of the company's business in Europe, launched last year "to find new, more cost-effective ways to stay in the market and serve customers" in the region, the retail chain said. Gap further informed that he was negotiating with Hermione People and Brands, from the FIB Group, to take over his stores in France. French antitrust regulators gave FIB the green light last week to buy 21 Gap stores. In addition, Gap is discussing with an as yet unidentified partner the possible acquisition of its stores in Italy.