Argos is closing all of its stores in Ireland.
Some stores will shut in March following the end of their leases, with the remainder to close by June 24th.
Argos has nine branches in Dublin.
In a statement it says: "Argos has announced that it intends to close all stores and operations in the Republic of Ireland at the end of June this year.
"It arrived at the decision to leave Ireland following a long period of careful consideration and a thorough review of its business and operations in the country.
"Argos concluded the investment required to develop and modernise the Irish part of its business was not viable and that the money would be better invested in other parts of its business.
There will be no change to the retailer’s operations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, where Argos is performing well and collectively has over 1,000 points of presence.
"Everyone at Argos recognises that today’s news will be unsettling for all its colleagues, some of whom have served Argos customers in Ireland for many years, and disappointing for its loyal customers.
"Argos is committed to doing everything it can to support its people and is talking to 580 colleagues, across 34 stores in the Republic of Ireland about their options.
"As part of its consultation with colleagues and Mandate, the recognised trade union, Argos will propose an enhanced redundancy package that goes well beyond its statutory obligations.
"The small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment. To further support colleagues, Argos has also committed to a programme of wider support over the coming months.."
Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager, says: "We understand this is difficult news for our customers and colleagues. As with any major change to our business, we have not made this decision lightly and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted.
"On behalf of everyone at Argos I would like to thank our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their support to our business.”
Disappointment
Mandate Trade Union says it will engage intensively to get the best deal possible for workers being made redundant at Argos.
The union expressing its 'disappointment' at Argos's decision to close all of its Irish stores.
@MandateTU disappointed at Argos's decision to close all of its Irish outlets but will be engaging intensively over next 30 days to get best deal for workers being made redundant.
See statement at this link:https://t.co/wk7QHCt2MN pic.twitter.com/bbAxEk89rW— Mandate Trade Union (@MandateTU) January 19, 2023
Mandate official, Michael Meegan, says the union will be engaging intensively with the company to get the best possible deal for the workers who are being made redundant: "Today is a difficult one for Argos’s staff here in Ireland as they get the news that the company will be closing down here.
"Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage.
"We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company."
Retail Excellence Ireland says: "Media reports suggesting Argos will close all its Irish outlets are disappointing and emphasise the fragility and the rapidly changing nature of the retail industry at present.
"Retailers are experiencing their toughest time of year now and many are struggling to keep afloat. We note that vacant units around the country are not being filled quickly enough which is a significant concern. It is critically important that the Government continue to monitor developments and step in with supports if needed in the lean months ahead."
