Fears were last night growing for the future of the Woolworths Stores in Derry and Strabane.
Yesterday administrators began work to rescue the chain which has operated in Derry since 1920. 46 jobs are at risk in the store at Ferryquay Street, Derry and 30 jobs at the shop in Castle Street, Strabane.
In a statement to the 'Derry Journal' y
esterday, a spokesman from Woolworths said that it was too soon to speculate on the future of the stores in the North West adding that for the meantime they would continue to trade as normal.
Administrators said the company would stay open past Christmas and Woolworths' employees in stores would be paid, however it is believed this depends on a suitable buyer being found.
Sean Trainor, former manager of Woolworths stores in Strabane and Dungannon said the news was a "major shock."
"In the late 1990s Woolworths was known as the darling of the high street returning healthy sales figures," he said.
"However over the past five years Woolworths' sales figures have remained fairly static and you can't remain static in the retail trade. From my experience all the stores in Northern ireland are profitable and I would like to acknowledge that Woolworths remained faithful to the the city during the Troubles.
"It's an inistution here and part of the fabric of the city. I hope a buyer can be found."
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said Macmillan Woolworths had been a landmark store situated right in the heart of Derry city centre for many years and it would be sad if this store was forced to close and the local workers lose their jobs.
"Woolworths is a strong trading brand and I sincerely hope that the administrators find a new buyer for the business and safeguard local jobs."
Sinn Féin chairperson of Strabane District Council Colr. Jarlath Mc Nulty also said he hoped a buyer could be found.
"Woolworths has been a mainstay for the shopping public in Strabane and its hinterland for generations," he said.
"People are still hoping that, even that this late stage, the situation can be salvaged and that most importantly the jobs and pension entitlements of the workforce can be saved.
"This is a very distressing time for all Woolworths workers particularly given that this announcement has been made in the run up to Christmas."
John Gorle, National Officer of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers said: "This is devastating news for our members. We will be seeking urgent talks with the administrators to ensure that our members' future is at the top of their agenda and to understand the proposals for the businesses in the short to medium term."
