Gap Outlet set to close huge store at Dalton Park shopping centre

The Gap Outlet store in Dalton Park, near Murton, is among a total of 81 which is set to be permanently closed by the end of September.

The centre, which recently saw Thorntons close its cafe and retail shop following similar closures nationwide, has not commented on the closure.

However, Gap has said that it is now starting its consultation process for affected staff adding that it will provide "support and transition assistance" to workers.

Last year, the retail giant said it would review the future of its store business in the UK and Ireland following the impact of the pandemic. 

Dalton Park lost Thorntons Cafe when the retailer closed all UK stores earlier this year Picture: GOOGLE

But just last month the retailer confirmed that 19 of its UK sites would be permanently closed by the end of July.

In a glimmer of hope at the time, the Dalton Park shop was not understood to be among that 19 earmarked for closure. 

But it was this week confirmed that all remaining stores in the UK and Ireland would close with the UK division moving online-only.

In a statement, Gap said: “In the United Kingdom and Europe, we are going to maintain our Gap online business.

“The e-commerce business continues to grow and we want to meet our customers where they are shopping.

“We’re becoming a digital-first business and we’re looking for a partner to help drive our online business."

An official closing date for Dalton Park's Gap Outlet has not yet been released by the clothing giant, but it said remaining stores would close from the end of August.

Gap said: “Due to market dynamics in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, we shared with our team today that we are proposing to close all company-operated Gap Specialty and Gap Outlet stores in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in a phased manner from the end of August through the end of September 2021.

“We are thoughtfully moving through the consultation process with our European team, and we will provide support and transition assistance for our colleagues as we look to wind down stores.”

Although the closure of Gap will come as a blow to Dalton Park, the centre welcomed the arrival of several new businesses to its site towards the end of last year.

Luxury retailer Molton Brown, Costa Coffee and the supermarket chain Morrisons were among the big names to set up shop within the centre.

Meanwhile last month, centre bosses unveiled a £60,000 play park for children and said it would be opening later this summer.

Read more: New play area with wide slide and wheelchair roundabout to open at retail park

At the time Jerry Hatch, Dalton Park centre manager, said: "We're always looking to enhance the visitor experience and this significant investment in the play park follows the refurbishment of the centre itself.

"We're proud that Dalton Park offers something for everyone, and it's very important that that includes our younger visitors.

"Although still popular, the old play area had begun to look tired and was in need of updating.

"The exciting new adventure play equipment, including a number of sound sensory elements such as bongo drums and talk tubes, will be set against a backdrop with a lakeland and woodland theme to reflect our 55 acres of parkland.

"We look forward to seeing families enjoy the new play area to its fullest later this year."

Dalton Park declined to comment on the Gap announcement

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