Potential future for New Look in Elgin despite store closure
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THERE may yet be a future for New Look in Elgin – despite the recent closure of the store at Springfield Retail Park.
That's what Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead and Conservative MP Douglas Ross have said after respective meetings with the company's director of property, Rupert Good.
New Look closed its store on Edgar Road for the final time on Tuesday, February 1.
However, the closure was due to the landlord exiting the lease early – and not down to a lack of custom.
Speaking after the meeting, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “Assurances were given to me that New Look want to find alternative premises in Elgin and hope to reopen should they manage to secure somewhere suitable.
"I recognise that this could take some time, but I do welcome their commitment to trying to ensure New Look has a future in Moray.
“The company recognises that customers here have a considerable distance to travel to other stores. Hopefully we’ll see them open their doors again in Elgin in the near future.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross said he heard that Mr Good and New Look were "committed" to having a store in the town.
He added: "I’m encouraged that New Look are still committed to having a store in Moray and are working with an agent to source suitable accommodation.
"I will help in any way I can as the local MP, as customers in the area will be keen to see the store reopen in a new location.”
For now, the nearest New Look stores will now be in Inverness, with one on the retail park and another in the Eastgate Centre.
The closure is set to affect 14 members of staff – a point which was also discussed at both meetings.
Mr Ross said: "I made clear to the management team that my concerns were primarily with the 14 staff employed at the store.
"I was reassured that they will be offered alternative options within the organisation, if at all possible, but this is a worrying time for everyone concerned."
Lochhead added: “I’m told that New Look are supporting their local staff through this difficult period and that will continue over the coming days."
Last week, a New Look spokesperson told The Northern Scot: "We are focusing on supporting our store colleagues and where possible finding alternative roles for them within the business."
