Clothing retailer GAP have announced that their stores in Edinburgh will be closing this year.
The American company will be closing all of its physical UK shops as it moves to becoming an online-only retailer.
GAP currently has stores on Edinburgh's Princes Street and Ocean Terminal, as well as the Livingston Designer Outlet.
As reported by the Daily Record, all 81 of the shops will be shut "in a phased manner" starting at the end of August and moving through to late September.
Staff were informed this week of the restructuring but it is currently unknown how many employees will lose their jobs.
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In a statement, 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.”
They added: “We’re becoming a digital first business and we’re looking for a partner to help drive our online business.”
Gap opened its first outlets in the UK in 1987 and currently operates in more than 40 countries, with over 460 stores.
