New Look closing: 'It's not the end of the high street in Cork'
'I’m really sad to see New Look go—it was a huge asset to Opera Lane, and I know so many shoppers will miss it.' Picture: Chani Anderson
With yesterday's news that New Look is to close all of its Irish outlets, fans of the fashion brand have been mourning its loss — particularly those browsers and buyers who will feel the loss of another physical shop closing.
"Hearing that New Look is closing feels like the end of an era. As the personal shopper on Opera Lane, I’ve always appreciated it—not just for its trend-led, affordable fashion, but for what it represented," says personal stylist and image consultant Breeda O'Connell.
"It was the kind of place you could pop into, spot something that made you feel amazing, and walk out ten minutes later with a new outfit and a spring in your step."
Breeda says despite the closure of another high street stalwart, the thrill of in-person shopping is here to stay.
"Because that’s what in-person shopping is really about, isn’t it? The thrill of seeing the newness, taking in the styling on the mannequins, running your hand over the fabrics (or maybe that’s just me?)," she says.
"The instant gratification of trying it on, the excitement of styling it up for later (you’ve got to imagine it with tan, okay?) - it’s all part of the magic. And no amount of online scrolling can replace that feeling."
Breeda believes Cork remains a shopping destination for many fashion lovers who can still enjoy the thrill of offline shopping.
"I’m really sad to see New Look go—it was a huge asset to Opera Lane, and I know so many shoppers will miss it. But I also feel incredibly grateful for what we still have.
"Cork remains one of the best shopping destinations in Ireland, with a fantastic mix of high-street favourites that keep the experience alive.
"So, while this is definitely a farewell, it’s not the end of the high street. Not in Cork. And definitely not for me."
What do you think? Have your say on the closure of New Look and its impact on the Irish shopping scene below.
