Are Gap in trouble?

[TwinkleTwinkleLittleEtoile]

Every day I get an email from Gap offering me 20/30/40% off. Are they in trouble and desperate for custom? I rarely buy for me, as their sizing doesn't always work.

Ditto Dorothy Perkins actually. I've not bought anything from there for a while. All my nearest shops of theirs have shut down.

Yeah the quality on H&M has really gone off. There used to be real gems to be had if you rummaged - not any more. I've not bought a single thing from them this autumn and that's unheard of.

Their huge store in Leeds closed some time ago

I loved that shop. The source of many lunchtime bargains! Meadowhall and Birstall closed around the same time. (I also miss Muji that was on Briggate in Leeds too). I was delighted to find an actual branch of Gap when I went to Harrogate of the train recently, and crashingly disappointed when I went in. The outlet store on Castleford is OK, mainly for children’s stuff.

Did the Brent x one shut down? H and m so weird with the 2-4 kids sizing! 2 yr olds are chubby and wear nappies- 4 yr olds are getting much more stretched out, very odd.

Ah yes the Harrogate branch is tiny, I'm amazed it remains open. Can't imagine what could take over the unit where H&M was, it's really big. I expect it will stand empty fur a long time. Even this wealthy town seems to be struggling to fill empty shops at the moment.

I only ever buy it at Outlets, I like some of there basics but the cotton can be very thin for the tag price. Their Jeans and trousers are still good though.

I think if Leeds shops are struggling then that is seriously worrying.

The one I was in the other day was having a closing down sale.

So, I assume something must be going on.

Yes the Brent Cross Gap closed, they still have the smaller Baby Gap I think.
The H&M kids shop closed and has taken over the lower floor of the adult shop.

Topshop is another one which has failed in Australia.

Don't think they expected that. Wouldn't be surprised to see H&M go the same way.

I think they might be. One of their Edinburgh shops is closing down - I got a £50 pair of true skinny jeans in a good colour for £7.98 at the weekend. £7.97

I bought a fur lined parka in their 40% off promotion. I'm tall, so the ability to purchase the longer length so that both the waist and arms fit my long torso is great. I do end up returning a great deal of stuff though and yes, even the central London stores are pretty dismal.

Uniqlo has cornered Gap's market.

Our local one has closed recently. I only buy when 40% off- it used to be months between the 30% promotions though, now it is 40% every other day- so yes i think they are in trouble. Agree that quality just nit consistently there anymore.

Except Uniqlo don’t have any shops outside London and don’t work for tall people with boobs and curves.

I hope not because their jeans are great. Perhaps the closing of less profitable stores will help them stick around.

I get the daily emails, too, and was beginning to wonder the same. The DCs clothes were frequently from Gap for a long time but the last year or so I've just not bothered as they seem to have dropped the ball a little with the quality and if I'm paying a few extra pounds for an item, it had better wash and wear better than something cheap I could have picked up at Asda.

@BikeRunSki - I'm 5ft 9 size 16/18 and Uniqlo's XL fits me just fine.

I've been getting the daily emails for about 3 years. I never buy full price but I do like some of their stuff, especially their dresses, when they are 40% off.

I keep promising myself not to buy their stuff anymore- I always go online to buy their tops but they are thin, shapeless and bad quality these days. I used to be able to get whole, excellent quality outfits from there but not any more.
Their kids stuff seems good though.

Gap is my go-to for tops of all kinds, I like simple clothes and their cut seems to flatter my body. However our local branch is somewhat scrotty these days and the constant money off emails makes me think that they aren't doing well sadly. And I agree with the person above who mentioned that Uniqlo have nicked their customers.

Gap has been in trouble for years and for a while, it looked like it was going to go under at the height of the financial crisis. It held on by the skin of its teeth, but it is still not in a healthy position.

H&M has always been crap and I am astounded that it is still open anywhere.

Disagree about H&M. It was my favourite shop for several years although you always had to rummage for the good stuff and of course the sizing was bonkers. It's barely recognisable now and I'm quite sad at how much it's gone downhill

I think there's a uniqlo in Meadowhall.
I'll be gutted if H&M go down

I’ve been getting the emails for years though . If they’re going down that’s an awfully long process . I love gap . Love the simple cuts and the petite range is good . The children’s clothes are practical and colourful and I’ve been able to use the same items as hand me downs for younger children and they still look good . The sales are brilliant and I get good quality jackets and coats for next to nothing .

MrsLogic that is brilliant news! Will try some mail order.

Bloomberg Business reported earlier this year that Gap are showing signs of recovery under their new CEO. They had experienced declining sales for several years and lack of footfall in malls. Therefore they may well rationalise here as they did with Banana Republic. They had increased sales according to the article and share price was going up so there is confidence in a recovery happening.

It’s a bit like M and S. Needs a bit of a rethink.