Carphone Warehouse to close
Carphone Warehouse has said closing its Irish stores is a necessary step in the business’ wider transformation as customers change how they buy technology.
Carphone Warehouse is to shut 69 standalone and 12 stores within a store and with it hundreds of job losses across the country including Cork.
A statement from the company said: “Sadly, the business expects 486 redundancies as result of this decision. In line with our policy, Dixons Carphone will go well beyond its obligations in financial and other support for all affected colleagues. As part of the company’s broader transformation to one joined up and profitable business it has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Carphone Warehouse in Ireland, in line with its decision to close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK in 2020.
“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.
“Although these changes in behaviour were anticipated, they were expected to occur over a longer period of time. However, the change in shopping behaviours has been accelerated by the pandemic,” the statement said.
It said Carphone Warehouse Ireland colleagues have worked hard to make the business a success: “This difficult decision is no reflection on their commitment, dedication and professionalism.”
Currys PC World stores, which is also operated by the Dixons Carphone group, won’t be affected by the announcement.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said: “This news will come as a major blow to Carphone Warehouse employees and their families after what has been an incredibly difficult year. I want them to know that the Government will make all necessary State assistance available to the workers. The Minister for Social Protection is aware of the situation and we will work across Government, to help them find new employment, education and training opportunities as soon as possible.”