New Look to Close All Irish Stores, Resulting in 350 Job Losses
Fashion retailer New Look has announced the closure of all 26 stores in the Republic of Ireland, leading to approximately 350 job losses as the company withdraws from the Irish market.
The retailer confirmed it would enter liquidation after facing years of financial struggles and a challenging retail landscape. Operating in Ireland since 2003, New Look currently employs 347 staff across its Irish stores. The decision comes as the company shifts its focus toward its UK operations and digital growth strategy.
Impact on Irish Customers and Employees
While all physical stores in Ireland will close, New Look collections will still be available for Irish customers online via Asos and Very.
No additional UK store closures have been announced, but the ongoing challenges faced by Britain’s high streets have led to widespread store shutdowns and shifts in shopping behavior.
On Thursday, the Irish High Court approved the appointment of provisional liquidators, marking a key step in winding down New Look’s Irish operations. Employees were notified immediately following the ruling, and further consultations are planned in the coming days.
The company acknowledged that the decision to appoint liquidators was difficult and assured employees that it remains committed to supporting them throughout the transition process.
Challenges Behind the Closure
New Look’s Irish operations have faced several ongoing challenges, including:
- Supply chain disruptions
- Rising operational costs
- Declining consumer spending
Despite implementing various strategies to revive the business—including marketing initiatives, store adjustments, and changes in pricing models—New Look ultimately concluded that its Irish division was no longer financially sustainable.
Next Steps for Store Closures
New Look stores will temporarily close before reopening on February 23 for a clearance sale.
The company has also confirmed that a 30-day consultation process will begin shortly, impacting all employees in Ireland. A collective redundancy process is also expected, though New Look has pledged to provide support to staff throughout the transition.
The Changing Retail Landscape
New Look’s departure from the Irish market is part of a larger trend of high-street store closures as rising costs, changing consumer habits, and the expansion of e-commerce continue to reshape the retail industry.
In recent years, major brands such as Debenhams, Topshop, and House of Fraser have either closed stores or significantly reduced their physical footprint.
Retail experts argue that brick-and-mortar stores must evolve to survive, focusing on:
✔ Technology-driven shopping experiences
✔ Seamless omnichannel strategies
✔ Flexible store formats and innovative retail spaces
Some retailers have successfully adapted to this shift, leveraging:
- Click-and-collect services
- Personalized in-store experiences
- A hybrid business model that integrates online and offline shopping
Adapting to Retail Closures – What’s Next for Employees?
For employees affected by New Look’s closures, options such as government retraining programs, job transition support, and emerging opportunities in digital retail may provide pathways forward.
Industry analysts predict that retail job losses will continue, with more brands reallocating resources to automation, digital platforms, and direct-to-consumer business models.
However, growth opportunities exist in sectors such as sustainable fashion, online retail, and innovative shopping platforms. Companies focusing on customer experience, sustainability, and digital transformation are expected to lead the next wave of retail evolution.
A Defining Moment for Retail
New Look’s exit from Ireland highlights the ongoing transformation of the retail industry. While store closures present challenges, they also underscore the need for innovation in customer engagement, supply chain management, and retail strategy.
As brands reassess their physical store networks and operational models, the future of the high street will depend on collaboration between retailers, landlords, and policymakers to develop dynamic and customer-focused shopping environments.
The coming months will determine how New Look’s departure impacts the Irish retail sector and whether other brands will reassess their presence in international markets as part of broader long-term strategic shifts.
