New Look has long been a household name along high streets across the country. However in recent years the iconic chain has been grappling with financial difficulties, prompting a string of closures. The high street retailer has been operating since the 1960s, selling women's, men's, and children’s clothing - but like many high street giants it has struggled over the past decade.

After bouts of closures in 2018 and 2023, the clothing and fashion retailer has reportedly closed around 600 outlets in the past seven years. This year alone around 350 jobs are expected to go across 26 stores after the Irish arm of New Look enters liquidation. "Following a strategic review" of the Irish business, New Look Group concluded that "it was no longer viable to continue trading in Ireland".

However, it is not all doom and gloom for the retailer as New Look has opened a new flagship store in Bluewater Shopping Centre. 

In a hopeful turn in fortune the retailer opened its 12,120 square feet store on April 3 and stocks womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, and 915 ranges.

Elaine Cartwright, retail director at New Look, said: "We’re thrilled to unveil our new Bluewater shopping centre location, a space designed to seamlessly blend our digital expertise with the best of in-store shopping.

"By integrating cutting-edge technology - such as dynamic digital displays, enhanced in-store merchandising, and convenient Click & Collect counters - we’re making it easier than ever for customers to discover and shop our latest feel-good fashion.

"This state-of-the-art store builds on the success of our Manchester trial, where digital innovations drove a significant uplift in sales and resonated strongly with our customers.

"We’ve seen first-hand how the right balance of digital and physical retail can enhance the shopping experience, and we’re excited to bring this next-generation concept to our loyal Bluewater shoppers."

Full list of New Look branch closures:

1. Northside Shopping Centre (Dublin)

2. Liffey Valley Shopping Centre (Dublin)

3. Tallaght (Dublin)

4. Omni Park Shopping Centre (Dublin)

5. Blanchardstown (Dublin)

6. Jervis Street (Dublin)

7. Wilton Shopping Centre (Cork)

8. Ballincollig Shopping Centre (Cork)

9. Blackpool Shopping Centre (Cork)

10. Opera Lane (Cork)

11. Galway City

12. Gateway Retail Park (Galway)

13. Ashbourne

14. Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Arklow

15. Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow

16. Navan Shopping Centre

17. Whitewater Shopping Centre, Newbridge

18. Clonmel

19. Limerick

20. Killarney

21. Wexford

22. Grand Parade, Mullingar

23. Castlebar, County Mayo

24. Dungarvan

25. The Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk

26. Letterkenny Retail Park