Eason stores in Northern Ireland might never reopen

Book and stationery retailer Eason has told employees it might not be reopening its stores in Northern Ireland.
Eason has told staff it will not be reopening its seven shops in Northern IrelandEason has told staff it will not be reopening its seven shops in Northern Ireland
Eason has told staff it will not be reopening its seven shops in Northern Ireland

Its seven shops in the Province — employing 144 staff — have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said it would “commence a consultation process around proposals not to reopen its seven stores in Northern Ireland”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It said: “The announcement follows a detailed review of the stores in Northern Ireland in the context of the devastating impact of Covid-19 on current and future trade and the implications of a number of other significant factors on the future prospects and sustainability of the business in Northern Ireland.”

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said it was sad news.

“Eason & Son was a household name and a hugely respected local business, and its closure is a loss to our retail sector.

“It’s not just the loss of the business - it is the reduced footfall for the surrounding traders located beside its seven stores that we also have to factor in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our retail sector and town centres face a long road back and we need the executive to bring forward a big, bold recovery plan to help create 21st century high streets and to support and grow our local retail sector.”

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor