Twenty-six New Look stores are set to close in the coming weeks, causing the loss of about 350 jobs. The Irish branch of the high-street fashion retailer has entered liquidation following a High Court ruling. Provisional liquidators have taken over New Look ’s Irish operations as part of the liquidation process.
Sales are now happening in several stores as the company seeks to sell its remaining stock. New Look , which opened its first store in Ireland in 2003, said several years of “sustained losses and challenging market conditions” had prompted the move. A 30-day staff consultation process involving all affected employees will begin in the coming days.
The Irish Labour Party has called for immediate action to support the hundreds of affected workers. It has urged New Look to recognise the “human impact” of the closures. George Lawlor, the party’s enterprise spokesman, said: "New Look Retailers Ireland Ltd must recognise the human impact of this decision and immediately engage with workers in a meaningful and constructive manner.
Workers must be given clarity on redundancy terms or redeployment options. They cannot be left in limbo.” New Look has pledged to support employees throughout.
It also emphasised that the appointment of liquidators was not a decision taken lightly. The retailer said: "New Look has undergone several changes to adapt to the current market, including marketing initiatives, store adaptations, and price range trials. However, following a s.