An international clothing and accessory retailer is set to close all of its stores in the UK, affecting an outlet just over nine miles from Carlisle.

GAP announced that they were proposing to close all company operated GAP speciality and outlet stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in a “phased manner” between August and September 2021.

The move would mean the closure of the GAP outlet store at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village.

The retailer announced that it will be maintaining their online business, saying in a statement that they are "becoming a digital first business" and are "looking for a partner to help drive" their online business.

Gap began a strategic review of the company operated business in Europe last year as part of their 2023 Power Plan in order to find new and more cost-effective ways of operating on the continent.

The statement continued: "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."

Gap has operated in the UK since 1984.