High street retail giant Gap has announced it will be closing all 81 stores in the UK and Ireland by the end of 2021. The fashion retailer announced that it was going to focus on its online operation instead. At a glance: 5 key points What’s been said 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.” Background A spokesperson for the firm said Gap is becoming a web-first business and it’s looking for a partner to help drive their online market. Bosses are now proposing to close all company-operated Gap Specialty and Gap Outlet stores in the United Kingdom and is moving through the consultation process with its European team. It comes as historic department store chain Debenhams shut its remaining stores across the UK for good in May – after the company collapsed amid the fallout of the pandemic.