'This is difficult news for our customers and colleagues': Argos to close Irish stores

LATEST: Argos has confirmed that it intends to close all stores and operations in the Republic of Ireland at the end of June this year. 

In a statement this morning the company said it 'arrived at the decision to leave Ireland following a long period of careful consideration and a thorough review of its business and operations in the country'.

The company has two outlets in Cork, at Mahon Retail Park and Blackpool. 

"Argos concluded the investment required to develop and modernise the Irish part of its business was not viable and that the money would be better invested in other parts of its business," the statement read.

“We understand this is difficult news for our customers and colleagues," Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager, said. 

"As with any major change to our business, we have not made this decision lightly and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted. 

"On behalf of everyone at Argos I would like to thank our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their support to our business.”

Argos said it is committed to doing everything it can to support its staff and is talking to 580 employees, across 34 stores in the Republic of Ireland.

"As part of its consultation with colleagues and Mandate, the recognised trade union, Argos will propose an enhanced redundancy package that goes well beyond its statutory obligations," the statement read. 

"The small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment. 

"To further support colleagues, Argos has also committed to a programme of wider support over the coming months." 

Argos stores will remain open to customers in Ireland until June 24. 

"Following today’s announcement, Argos will begin the process of gradually winding down its Irish business," the company said. 

"As part of this, customers in Ireland will no longer be able to pay for orders via the Argos website or place orders via its home delivery service after 22nd March 2023. Orders placed up to this date will continue to be fulfilled and customers will still be able to reserve products online and pay for them in store until the point of business closure." 

The Blackpool Retail Park is also set to lose another business in the near future. Life Style Sports has announced a closing down sale at its Blackpool store. 

“This store is closing down," the company said in signage announcing the closure. "But don't worry, you can visit us nearby at the Capitol, or shop online."

EARLIER: Catalogue retailer Argos is to close all of its Irish stores, according to Mandate Trade Union.

The company has two outlets in Cork, at Mahon Retail Park and Blackpool.

Mandate official, Michael Meegan, said that the union will be engaging intensively with the company to get the best possible deal for the workers who are being made redundant.

"Today is a difficult one for Argos’s staff here in Ireland as they get the news that the company will be closing down here.

"Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage," he said.

"We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company,” Mr Meegan continued.

A public statement has yet to be released by Argos.