Gap is closing all its UK and Irish stores and going online only.
The high-street fashion chain said that its online business 'continues to grow', but 'market dynamics' in the UK and Republic of Ireland mean it's no longer viable to keep stores open.
The stores will begin a phased closing from the end of August through to the end of September this year.
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According to the BBC, there are 81 stores across the UK and Ireland that will now be closing their doors for good.
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.
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"However, 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."
Earlier today, Reuters reported that Gap is also looking to sell its stores in Italy and France in an attempt to keep costs down.
The US-owned company is reported in talks with Hermione People and Brands to take over its stores in France and an 'unnamed partner' in Italy.
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A spokesperson told the BBC: "We believe in Gap's global brand power. We are executing against Gap's Power Plan and partnering to amplify our global reach.
"We are not exiting the UK market. We will continue to run and operate our Gap e-commerce business in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland."
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