Write a commentEasons store in the Buttercrane Shopping Centre is to close in July after almost thirty years serving Newry.
The store one of the city's top Newsagents sells an unmatched variety of magazines, newspapers, books and cards. Easons has been a tenant in The Buttercrane Shopping Centre since the centre opened 10 November 1988.
The Dublin based company today announced their plans to close both the Buttercrane store and the store at Rushmere in Craigavon.
MLA Justin McNulty has expressed his sadness that the Newry store is closing.
Mr McNulty said, ‘It is with real sadness that Easons have confirmed the closure of their stores in Newry and Craigavon today. These stores have been serving the community well for many years and it is sad to hear the news that they are to close later this year.’
‘The book market, just like retail in general, is rapidly changing and as people move to e-books, audio books and indeed purchasing books online retail giants like Easons are the casualty’
‘It’s not just an empty shop that is left, there is the human story behind these store closures. Those who work in the stores, face redeployment or redundancy. I hope the management can accommodate the employees in other stores as the Newry and Craigavon stores are closed down.’
Also commenting Conor Murphy MLA spoke of the huge blow it would be for staff at Easons “Eason's in Craigavon will close in April and Eason in Newry will close in July 2018. The Company has said that it has commenced a consultation process with staff in both stores and state that it is fully committed to exploring all possible options for employees. It is essential that not only are staff kept fully informed of developments, but they are given any support and advice needed as they try to deal with the impact of the closure announcement".
