New Look website and app 'down' as 'something is coming'

Shoppers eager to browse New Look's latest fashion offerings online will have to pause their plans, as the retailer's website and app are currently out of action. The popular high street brand, known for its trendy yet affordable apparel, footwear, and accessories, has informed customers that its digital platforms will be unavailable "until Monday evening" [February 24].

Despite this online hiatus, physical stores remain open for business. In an email dispatched to customers on Sunday [February 23] evening, New Look provided some context for the downtime, hinting at positive changes ahead.

The email, bearing the subject line "important info about our site and app", hinted at exciting developments with the words: "something is coming." The complete message to shoppers stated: "FYI, our site and app will be down from 11pm tonight [Sunday, Feb 23] till Monday evening while we carry out some exciting updates."

The brand reassured fans that fresh styles are continuously arriving, encouraging them to return soon, adding: "As always, there's lots of newness landing daily, so check back tomorrow to be the first to shop our latest drops!"

To sweeten the deal, New Look offered a 30% in-store discount barcode to use while the online services are paused, reports the Mirror.

A New Look spokesperson said: “Due to a planned system upgrade, our website and app are currently unavailable and will be back up and running soon. During this time, customers will not be able to make purchases online but are welcome to shop in-store as usual. We thank all our customers for their patience.”

The news follows the closure of several New Look stores, including the recent shuttering of its Porth outlet in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with two more expected to cease operations in March. Several New Look branches have recently shut their doors permanently, including outlets in Carillon Court Shopping Centre in Loughborough and another in Essex.

The fashion retailer's Bracknell store at Bracknell Peel Centre also ceased operations on January 30. Earlier this year, the Times suggested that the company was planning to "accelerate future store closures" as leases come to an end.

This move was reportedly prompted by the tax hikes announced in October's budget. The report speculated that approximately a quarter of its 364 UK stores - roughly 91 locations - could face closure. However, New Look did not confirm these claims at the time.