Fashion retailer New Look is set to close 26 stores in Ireland in the coming weeks, resulting in approximately 350 job losses. The decision follows a High Court ruling that placed the Irish branch of the company into liquidation after years of sustained losses and challenging market conditions.
With provisional liquidators now overseeing the process, New Look is holding clearance sales in affected stores to sell remaining stock. Meanwhile, employees will enter a 30-day consultation period to discuss redundancy terms and potential redeployment options.
Why Is New Look Closing Its Irish Stores?
New Look’s decision to exit the Irish market comes after a strategic review of its operations in the Republic of Ireland. Despite multiple efforts to adapt to market challenges—including changes in pricing strategies, store adaptations, and marketing initiatives—the retailer determined that continuing operations in Ireland was no longer viable.
The company cited volatile trading conditions and prolonged financial struggles as key reasons for the closure. While the Irish stores will shut down, New Look has confirmed that its UK operations will continue as usual, with a renewed focus on strengthening its online presence and UK store portfolio.
List of New Look Stores Closing in Ireland
The following 26 New Look stores across Ireland will close:
Dublin
- Northside Shopping Centre
- Liffey Valley Shopping Centre
- Tallaght
- Omni Park Shopping Centre
- Blanchardstown
- Jervis Street
Cork
- Wilton Shopping Centre
- Ballincollig Shopping Centre
- Blackpool Shopping Centre
- Opera Lane
Galway
- Galway City
- Gateway Retail Park
Other Locations
- Ashbourne
- Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow
- Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow
- Navan Shopping Centre
- Whitewater Shopping Centre, Newbridge
- Clonmel
- Limerick
- Killarney
- Wexford
- Grand Parade, Mullingar
- Castlebar, County Mayo
- Dungarvan
- The Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk
- Letterkenny Retail Park
Impact on Employees
With around 350 employees affected, concerns have been raised about job security and redundancy arrangements. The Irish Labour Party has urged New Look to engage with staff in a transparent and fair manner, ensuring they receive clarity on severance packages and potential redeployment options.
George Lawlor, the Labour Party’s enterprise spokesman, emphasized the need for immediate support for workers, calling on New Look to recognize the human impact of its decision.
What Happens Next?
- Liquidation Process: Provisional liquidators will oversee the shutdown of Irish operations, including the sale of remaining stock.
- Employee Consultations: Affected staff will go through a 30-day consultation period to discuss their options.
- No UK Store Closures: New Look has confirmed that its UK stores will remain open, with the company refocusing on its core market and digital expansion.
A Look at New Look’s History
Founded in 1969 by businessman Tom Singh in Taunton, Somerset, New Look grew into one of the UK’s most recognized high-street fashion brands. The retailer offers clothing, footwear, and accessories, catering to a broad customer base.
While its Irish exit marks a setback, the company aims to strengthen its UK operations and online offerings, adapting to the evolving retail landscape.
