Is another retail giant disappearing from our high streets? With a long-standing presence in town centres across the UK, New Look’s decision to close multiple stores has left many shoppers wondering what the future holds.
In 2025, the well-known fashion brand has already shut several locations and plans to close even more before the year ends. From rising operational costs to strategic business shifts, a range of factors has triggered the downsizing.
In this blog, we explore the real reasons behind the closures, the affected locations, the impact on jobs, and whether New Look is preparing for a digital-only future.
Why Is New Look Closing Its Stores Across the UK?
The announcement of widespread store closures by New Look in 2025 has triggered significant attention and speculation. A combination of financial pressures, changing consumer habits, and operational restructuring seems to be behind this retail shake-up.
- The company is conducting a strategic business review amid challenging market conditions.
- Hiring of investment advisers suggests the business is exploring long-term restructuring options.
- Rising employment costs and increasing property rents have added pressure to physical store operations.
- The retailer had previously warned about store closures ahead of national insurance rate increases.
- The decision is reportedly influenced by reduced footfall in shopping centres and town high streets.
- Around 91 out of 364 stores are vulnerable due to lease expirations.
This mix of external and internal challenges has pushed New Look to reassess the viability of its physical stores while continuing to grow its online platform.
How Did National Insurance Hikes and Operating Costs Influence the Decision?
A notable factor behind New Look’s decision to close stores is the recent hike in employer National Insurance contributions, introduced in April 2024. This increased employment cost is putting strain on companies with large workforces.
For New Look, which employs over 8,000 people, the rise means substantial additional expenses. Combined with increasing rent and business rates, operating costs for brick-and-mortar outlets have become increasingly unsustainable.
This financial pressure has driven the brand to reconsider its store network, particularly where lease renewals are looming and profitability is under review.
Which New Look Stores Have Already Closed or Are Closing Soon?
The list of New Look stores shutting down in 2025 continues to grow, with closures announced and executed across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Full UK Store Closure List with Locations and Dates
New Look has confirmed 12 UK store closures so far this year, with more expected. These closures have impacted both major cities and small towns.
| Location | Status | Closure Date |
| Carillon Court Shopping Centre, Loughborough | Closed | 21 January |
| Wickford, Essex | Closed | 24 January |
| Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales | Closed | 22 February |
| St Austell, Cornwall | Closed | 4 March |
| Valley Retail World, Gateshead | Closed | 9 March |
| Preston | Closed | 20 March |
| Bexleyheath, London | Closed | 19 April |
| Willow Place, Corby | Closed | 1 June |
| Birmingham, Northfield Shopping Centre | Closed | 8 June |
| Devizes, Wiltshire | Closed | 23 June |
| Hamilton, Scotland | Closed | 1 July |
| Neath, Wales | Closing | 6 August |
Why Did the Hamilton, Scotland Branch Shut So Abruptly?
The closure of New Look’s Hamilton store shocked local residents and stirred strong emotional reactions.
- The branch shut on 1 July, with minimal public notice, in South Lanarkshire.
- Shoppers called it “the end of an era” and expressed disappointment on social media.
- Customers claimed there was now “no reason to visit Hamilton” as retail outlets disappear.
- The store was located in Regent Shopping Centre, a key local shopping destination.
- The abrupt closure followed ongoing reports of declining footfall and financial strain.
Hamilton’s closure symbolises the ongoing retail challenges many towns are now facing due to digital disruption and economic strain.
What’s the Current Status of New Look’s Irish Stores?
New Look’s Irish operations were hit even harder than their UK counterparts. In February 2025, the company exited the Republic of Ireland completely.
A total of 26 stores were shut down after years of struggling with rising in-market costs, disrupted supply chains, and decreasing consumer spending.
This move was seen as a response to the increasingly volatile trading environment in Ireland. The company stated that continued operations were no longer viable in the region.
With liquidation finalised, there are no current New Look locations open in Ireland. Despite these closures, the brand continues to serve Irish customers through its digital platform and delivery network.
How Are These Closures Affecting UK Local High Streets?
Impact on Community Retail Ecosystems
The closure of New Look stores is more than a business decision. It’s having visible effects on the vitality of UK high streets.
Local communities, especially in towns like Hamilton, Neath, and Devizes, are feeling the immediate economic impact. These closures result in reduced foot traffic to other nearby businesses, creating a ripple effect across the local economy.
Loss of Community Engagement
For many communities, a New Look store has been a longstanding feature. Its closure represents a loss not only of jobs but of a sense of place and familiarity. Retail hubs lose their draw, leading to less engagement with high streets overall.
Shopping Behaviour Shift
The ongoing trend of consumers moving online for fashion shopping also contributes to these closures. Local high streets are slowly losing their competitive edge, and without major anchors like New Look, the decline could accelerate.
What Does This Mean for New Look Employees?
The store closures affect more than just customers; they also impact thousands of workers across the UK. Approximately a quarter of New Look’s workforce could be affected by the current closure strategy.
- The business employs around 8,000 people across its network.
- Up to 91 stores face potential closure if lease renewals aren’t favourable.
- Staff at affected locations face job losses or forced relocation.
- In some cases, employees may be offered positions at nearby stores.
Although no official redundancy figures have been released, the concern remains high among employees and local communities.
Management has expressed gratitude to workers and communities, but no detailed employee support plans have been outlined publicly. The uncertainty creates anxiety for staff as the retailer reshapes its operations.
Is This Part of a Bigger Strategy Shift at New Look?
New Look’s recent moves suggest a major pivot in their business model. The company is currently undergoing a strategic review led by investment experts. While there’s no indication that the retailer is going bust, the changes are part of a long-term transformation.
These efforts aim to balance physical retail with stronger digital performance. In response to reduced in-store footfall, New Look has increased investment in selected stores to trial new retail formats and technology integrations.
A significant £3 million has already been spent on upgrades in Greater Manchester, with another 17 stores next in line. These tests are crucial for determining which physical stores remain viable under the evolving consumer landscape.
Is New Look Planning a Shift to Online-Only Retail?
New Look is not abandoning physical retail entirely, but the brand’s strategy indicates a stronger digital focus. The company’s app and website continue to outperform expectations, with over 246 million site visits reported in the last financial year.
This trend shows that online growth is outpacing in-store sales. The company aims to offer a seamless omni-channel experience for its 10 million+ customers, combining convenience and personalisation with physical shopping where profitable.
While not officially going online-only, New Look is clearly aligning its operations more heavily with digital channels.
Will More New Look Stores Close in the Future?
While 12 store closures have already occurred in 2025, the future may bring more. Reports suggest that nearly 100 stores could be under threat depending on lease terms and financial performance.
With around 91 stores facing lease expirations, each one is being assessed for profitability and strategic fit. Locations with declining footfall and high running costs are most at risk.
The company has made it clear that it remains open to closing stores when it is no longer viable to operate them.
While customers will still be able to shop online or at remaining locations, the number of physical stores may shrink further as New Look adjusts to market realities.
Conclusion
The 2025 New Look store closures highlight the broader struggles of the UK retail sector, driven by rising costs and changing consumer habits.
While the move has disappointed loyal customers, the company insists it is performing well and adapting to future needs. With continued investment in its online presence and key physical locations, New Look is focused on long-term sustainability.
Though further closures are uncertain, the brand’s ongoing transformation signals a clear shift in its retail strategy.
FAQs About New Look Store Closures 2025
How many New Look stores are currently operational in the UK?
As of mid-2025, New Look operates approximately 270+ stores after a series of closures across the UK and Ireland.
Are New Look stores closing only due to poor sales?
No, some closures are landlord-driven or part of a strategic shift to optimise the retail footprint and cut costs.
What is the impact of New Look’s closure on smaller towns and shopping centres?
Closures in towns like Hamilton and Neath have caused disappointment, with residents calling it the “end of an era”.
Is New Look still offering jobs despite the closures?
Yes, New Look is investing in selected stores and its online platform, offering roles in logistics, customer service, and digital.
How are customers being informed about store closures?
Closure announcements are shared via press releases, in-store signage, and occasionally through the company’s digital platforms.
Are other UK retailers facing similar challenges?
Yes, other high street brands like River Island are also closing stores due to high rents, inflation, and shifting consumer behaviour.
Can shoppers still use gift cards or return items if their local store shuts?
Yes, customers can return items or use gift cards online or at any remaining New Look store across the UK.
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