Retailer that suddenly shut Perth shop could close all its UK stores

A clothing chain that left Tayside suddenly this year is now considering closing all of its UK stores.

Gap closed its shop in Perth High Street at the end of January, having informed staff two days before Christmas of its plans.

The global chain, which used to have a store the Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee, is now looking at closing all 129 shops it owns in Europe as well as a distribution centre in Rugby.

The fashion brand also has 158 franchise shops in Europe, in addition to company-owned outlets, and said that’s where its focus would lie going forward.

“As we conduct the review, we will look at transferring elements of the business to interested third parties as part of a proposed partnership model expansion,” said Mark Breitbard, head of Gap’s global operations.

Gap announces shock closure of Perth store with staff told two days before Christmas

The Perth shop’s closure in the prominent High Street location led to the loss of 11 members of staff.

US-based Gap’s sales fell 18% in the three months to the end of August when the company made a pre-tax loss of $41 million.