Write a commentNewry city Councillor Michael Savage has called on Debenhams to outline its future intentions for the Newry store as soon as possible to allay staff fears.
Debenhams which opened their store in Newry in 2004 at The Quays Shopping Centre today announced that they would be closing up to 50 stores over the next 5 years due to an annual loss of almost £500M at the company.
Councillor Savage said: "I can understand the rationale behind Debenhams making this announcement to close 50 of its stores in order to calm the markets but to do so without any clarity as to what stores are earmarked for closure is leaving staff in limbo.
"It is unfair to leave staff of the Newry store in such a state of uncertainty in the mouth of Christmas. They deserve to know what the future holds.
"Debenhams has played a major part in Newry's retail success story and to lose the store would be a huge blow. It is part of the retail fabric of Newry and an anchor tenant of The Quays.
"I hope Newry is not one of the stores earmarked for closure and the fantastic local staff retain their jobs. I urge Debenhams to provide clarity on the future of the Newry store and give certainty to staff and this worrying time."
