SuperValu store closures 'could create 98 redundancies'
SuperValu has today announced the closure of two of its stores in Carlow town and Clonmel.
SuperValu on Kennedy Avenue, Carlow and SuperValu Marketplace, Clonmel "will cease trading due to difficult trading conditions over a sustained period", a statement from the retailer read.
The stores will close on January 22, 2016.
"Regrettably, this decision will potentially lead to 98 redundancies," the statement added.
"The retail environment in Carlow and Clonmel has been challenging for a number of years, with increased competition and a drop in footfall," the statement continued.
"As a result, after a great deal of consideration and having reviewed all possible options, a decision was taken to close the stores as they are not commercially viable.
"The stores will continue to operate as normal until their closure date. SuperValu’s other stores in Clonmel and Carlow are unaffected by this announcement."
Commenting on the announcement, Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu, said: "We regret to confirm that we plan to close these SuperValu stores.
"It is not a decision we have taken lightly, but the stores have been loss making for almost a decade now and they do not have a sustainable future.
"It is important to note that this decision is by no means reflective of the quality of the work of our colleagues at SuperValu on Marketplace in Clonmel and SuperValu on Kennedy Avenue in Carlow and I would like to thank each of them sincerely for their support over many years.
"We will now enter a consultation period with colleagues and provide out-placement support to assist them in finding alternative employment."