ALMOST 500 JOBS have been lost with the closure of Carphone Warehouse’s 80 stores in the Republic of Ireland.
The retailer has 69 standalone and 12 in-store outlets, all of which will close their doors with immediate effect, according to a statement by its UK parent company, Dixons Carphone.
It follows the closure of the company’s standalone stores in the UK last year.
Staff have been informed of the decision, which the company said was influenced by changing consumer trends and decreased footfall.
“Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles,” Dixons Carphone said in a statement.
“Over the last year, Carphone Warehouse Ireland has seen a decrease in footfall year to date in excess of 40% and a 25% increase in customers buying sim free handsets.”
Some 485 redundancies are expected as a result of the decision, the statement said.
The company added, “Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make Carphone Warehouse Ireland a success and have been the driving force behind its well-earned reputation for excellent customer service and support.
“This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication and professionalism.”
The British company said all employees would be “fully supported” following the announcement.
“Dixons Carphone will go well beyond its obligations in financial and other support for all affected colleagues.”
Following the announcement, homeware and technology retailer Harvey Norman encouraged Carphone Warehouse employees to apply for vacancies they were advertising.
We currently have vacancies within our company and encourage anyone who is now looking for a new opportunity to get in touch with our team at jobs@ie.harveynorman.com.
In a statement this afternoon, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar described the news as a “huge blow” and said his thoughts were with staff after a difficult year.
He also said that the Minister for Social Protection was aware of the situation and that the government would work to find new employment or training opportunities for those affected.
“Many high street retailers have been under pressure for some time now, as consumers move online – a shift which has been accelerated by the pandemic and I understand that this has contributed to the Carphone Warehouse’s decision today,” he added.
Trade Union Mandate’s general secretary Gerry Light has called on Varadkar to establish a taskforce looking into the future of retail in Ireland as a matter of urgency in light of tonight’s announcement.
“Today there are hundreds of Carphone Warehouse workers wondering how they’re going to pay their bills. Those workers join a long list of workers who have lost their jobs in the last year including Debenhams and Arcadia workers, and yet we have seen very little action in terms of legislation from government,” Light said.
- Contains reporting by Stephen McDermott and Hayley Halpin
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say