Book giant Eason to close in NI
Book and stationery retailer Eason has told staff it will not be reopening its stores in Northern Ireland.
Its seven shops in the region - employing 144 - have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The company said: "The 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.''
Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said it was sad news.
"Eason & Son was a household name and a hugely respected local business, and its closure is a loss to our retail sector.
"It's not just the loss of the business - it is the reduced footfall for the surrounding traders located beside its seven stores that we also have to factor in.
"Our retail sector and town centres 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.''