G-Star shuts down franchise stores throughout the UK

Dutch denim label G-Star has closed down six of its UK franchised stores over

the past few weeks, including locations at Intu in Derby, Carnaby Street in London and Highcross Lane in Leicester.

All franchised locations shut down where control by independent retailer Diffusion, who states that franchises owners were unable to keep up with high rent price, according to Drapers. Diffusion currently runs four G-Star franchise stores in the country, two in London’s Covent Garden and Oxford Street, one in Birmingham's Bullring and one in Manchester's Arndale Centre.

Nathan Ness, country manager for G-Star UK confirmed the number of store closure, but declined to reveal how many stores had closed and how many were to remain open in the UK.

“Yes we have closed stores. Obviously there are ever-changing dynamics within the UK retail environment. As a business we are focused on operating strong, profitable stores and in the future we continue to assess the right location for the brand,” said Ness.