Gerry Weber signs UK and Ireland franchise agreement

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 23, 2019

Struggling German retailer Gerry Weber is set to close all UK stores by October, but will continue operating in the UK and Ireland in partnership with Jonzara.

The family-run business from Northern Ireland has already taken over the Gerry Weber store in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, and will continue to offer the clothing label to shoppers across the UK and Ireland via its online platform.

“This is fantastic news and recognition of our proactive approach to growing Gerry Weber’s loyal customer base. Growth in store and online is equally matched. Now that we are going to be the sole Gerry Weber store in the UK and Ireland, this makes our offering even more exclusive for our customers,” Jonzara director Jonathan McCann said about Gerry Weber’s decision to cement its franchise contract with the company.

The independent retailer, established in 2008, has two additional stores in Northern Ireland, and its website serves customers in over 50 countries including the US, Canada and Australia.

Focusing on contemporary women’s clothing, the retailer stocks an array of occasion wear and mother of the bride outfits.

Gerry Weber is withdrawing from the UK high street as part of a wider restructure undertaken by its parent company. 

The move will not affect the brand’s UK wholesale business, which includes about 100 stockists.

Gerry Weber has been struggling to survive after several periods of declining sales and growing losses. Last week, the vast majority of creditors approved the company's insolvency plan, paving the way for a financial restructuring. The firm will now seek approval for the proposal at a court hearing to move forward with its plans.