Gap returns at Trafford Centre in Manchester with new in-store opening

Gap is to make a return when it opens in the Trafford Centre in a concession inside the Next store this weekend.

The women’s, men’s and kids’ clothing retailer announced the closure of 81 UK stores last year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in March this year, it signed a new partnership with Next to revive the brand on UK high streets. The first concession to open in Next was in London’s West End, followed by another in Birmingham. Gap has five UK branches in total now, including in Manchester’s Arndale Centre and in Glasgow.

And now the preppy American brand selling classic casuals is opening in the Trafford Centre’s Next outlet on Saturday 26 November.

In a post on the Trafford Centre’s website, it said: “Gap UK is excited to announce the opening of its new shop-in-shop within NEXT at Trafford centre, marking the expansion of Gap’s physical presence within the UK. Embodying the brand’s reinvented approach to retail in the UK, the store boasts an open, modern and minimal design. Customers can shop curated collections of elevated everyday essentials including denim, fleece, khakis, shirting and iconic logo product for women, men and kids and baby.”

Jon Jeffery, MD at Gap, added: “I am delighted to reintroduce the Gap Brand back to The Trafford Centre this November. From adults to baby, our new cleaner store concept offers something for everyone, including Iconic classics like the Logo Hoodie, Gap denim & chinos, Knits & Outerwear. Our opening is perfectly timed to offer amazing gifts for all the family this festive season.”

Zoe Inman, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gap to the Centre this month, as they partner with leading retailer Next. Offering every-day essentials across womenswear, menswear, kids, and baby, we look forward to being part of its retail expansion journey and seeing its growth in the Northwest and beyond.”

It comes shortly after designer outlet BOSS opened a new store on the first floor. The shopping centre this week launched a raft of Black Friday offers to temp shoppers ahead of Christmas.