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London - Alsharq Tribune- Al Otaify
A popular branch of high street fashion brand New Look is set to close – with hundreds more under threat. The brand has confirmed that its St Austell branch in Cornwall will shut for good on Tuesday, March 4, which is the latest in a long list of high street closures to hit the UK.
A sign on the door reads “it's time to say goodbye,” it will close two weeks after a branch in Wales is also set to close. Located on Hannah Street in Porth, the branch is expected to cease trading on February 22.
Both closures come shortly after reports that the fashion retailer was looking at speeding up plans to shut down around 100 stores due to pressures from recent Autumn Budget tax changes.
A spokesperson for New Look stated: "Our store in Porth is set to close on February 22. We thank 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.
It is thought that around a quarter of the fashion retailer’s 364 stores – about 91 stores – could be affected when lease renewals come up for discussion this year, with a many of its 8,000-strong workforce also impacted.
Despite this, a spokesman for the brand took a most positive tone, and 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 omni-channel 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."
