Much-loved high street fashion retailer with 364 stores ‘at risk of closing branches’

Fashion giant New Look is reportedly accelerating plans to close stores amid the fallout from the government’s National Insurance rise.

The major retailer is said to be ramping up a branch closure programme as employer costs increase due to the hike, which drew criticism after it was announced in the Autumn Budget.  

Of the chain’s 364 shops, around a quarter are ‘at risk’ when their leases expire, according to The Times.