Fashion giant New Look is the latest casualty of the steady decline of ‘high street’ retail in Galway.

Two of the company’s local clothes stores – in Edward Square in the city centre and Gateway Retail Park in Knocknacarra – will shut for good in the coming weeks.

It comes after New Look confirmed last week it was shutting its Irish operations, with the loss of almost 350 jobs at 26 shops.

The High Court approved the appointment of liquidators to wind down the business.

Shoppers queued to get into New Look in Knocknacarra last Sunday when a clearance sale of up to 70% off began.

In a post on social media, signed by the team working in Knocknacarra, staff said they were “as shocked and heartbroken” as customers were at learning the news.

They thanked customers for their support over the past 16 years.

Bargains would be available over the next “few weeks” they said, but added that New Look gift vouchers and gift cards such as One4All would not be accepted. In-store returns will not be accepted either.

The latest accounts for New Look show its revenue fell by £75.5 million last year, and its UK and Republic of Ireland retail sales decreased by £72.2 million.

The decline of sales in 2024, was partly “driven by the challenging trading environment caused by the ongoing cost of living pressures.

“During our key spring/summer trade we were hit by unseasonable weather patterns, which combined with low consumer confidence, resulted in customers purchasing less seasonal stock”, the company said.

It explained that online sales had remained strong, but e-commerce was impacted by negative challenging consumer sentiment.

Pictured: Sign in New Look, Knocknacarra, announcing the closing-down sale. PHOTO: BRIAN HARDING.