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Book and stationery retailer Eason has told employees it will not be reopening its stores in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\nBook and stationery retailer Eason has told employees it will not be reopening its stores in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
The company’s seven shops in the region \u2013 employing 144 staff \u2013 have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
Eason said: \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said it was sad news.<\/p>\n
\u201cEason & Son was a household name and a hugely respected local business, and its closure is a loss to our retail sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just the loss of the business \u2013 it is the reduced footfall for the surrounding traders located beside its seven stores that we also have to factor in.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur retail sector and town centers 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.\u201d<\/p>\n