Incredibly sad Eason’s closure could be followed by more shutdowns and job losses, warns Derry & Strabane Alderman

The devastating news that Eason’s is to close its Foyleside store and others across the north may be followed by more closures and redundancies locally in the coming months, a Derry Alderman has warned.
2015:  Children pictured at a Little Legends Reading Room at Eason's in Foyleside. DER2615MC0952015:  Children pictured at a Little Legends Reading Room at Eason's in Foyleside. DER2615MC095
2015: Children pictured at a Little Legends Reading Room at Eason's in Foyleside. DER2615MC095

The Irish company has blamed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and “other factors” for its decision to close its Derry branch - one of the longest standing tenants at Foyleside Shopping Centre - and six others north of the border, resulting in 144 people being made redundant.

Workers, who are currently furloughed, received the devastating news that the company was not planning to reopen the stores via a video conference call.

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Reacting to the news, Derry City & Strabane District Council Alderman Darren Guy of the Ulster Unionist Party said: “I am saddened to hear of the plans to close Eason book store in Foyleside. These are worrying times for all Eason staff, both in Londonderry and right across Northern Ireland after they were informed of the closures on Wednesday evening.

2014: The Verbal Arts Centre, Eason and Foyleside were transformed into one mammoth crime scene for their Killer Books Festival as part of Derry's Halloween celebrations that year.2014: The Verbal Arts Centre, Eason and Foyleside were transformed into one mammoth crime scene for their Killer Books Festival as part of Derry's Halloween celebrations that year.
2014: The Verbal Arts Centre, Eason and Foyleside were transformed into one mammoth crime scene for their Killer Books Festival as part of Derry's Halloween celebrations that year.

“Unfortunately, due to this pandemic, I fear this closure and subsequent redundancies won’t be the last we hear of in the coming months. Businesses will require help from local Government to steer them through these times of uncertainty.

“I would urge everyone to shop local and support local businesses through these difficult times.”

The Derry branch of IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) stated yesterday that Eason workers in Derry received the devastating news today from senior bosses to notify them that stores would now close via video call.

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IWW quoted one Eason’s Derry worker who told them: “We are devastated. Many have been with Easons for decades and to receive news in the way it was relaid to everyone, by video call was totally devastating.”

A spokesperson for the Industrial Workers of the World said following the news: “Jobs should be protected at this time of crisis. It is our belief that any lay offs should be challenged and fought back. Yet again today we are witnessing governments resting the economic losses on workers and that’s just totally unacceptable. It is an attack on all our class.”

The company has been reported as saying: “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.”

Commenting on the closure of Eason’s seven stores, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:

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“This is incredibly sad news for the 144 Eason’s employees and for our high streets as a whole. 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.

“Our thoughts are with the 144 employees and their families at this challenging time.”