A SECOND Irish Marks & Spencer store is set to close in just weeks due to a “consistent decline in sales”.
Staff at M&S Clarion Quay Simply Food on Excise Walk in Dublin were told the news yesterday.
Bosses said sales and footfall had dropped at the store over “several years”.
A branch in Drogheda will also close for good on Friday, March 8.
A spokesperson said: “M&S is committed to Ireland and we have ambitious plans for growth including doubling the number of Irish-based suppliers we work with.
“Our recent Christmas trading figures show we’re heading in the right direction.
“However, we also need to modernise our business to safeguard what we have achieved.
“Shopping habits are changing, and we are shaping our store estate to focus our investment on the right stores in the right places.
“We have made the tough decision to close two under-performing stores in Ireland: M&S Clarion Quay Simply Food on Excise Walk in Dublin, and M&S Drogheda, Louth.
“We’ve shared this news with affected colleagues and our priority now is to support them through these changes.
“Clarion Quay Foodhall is being closed because of a consistent decline in sales and footfall over several years, and our Drogheda store is ceasing trading because the shopping centre has low occupancy – requiring significant investment – and its sales performance is behind the rest of our store estate.
“We understand there will be some disappointment with our announcement, but we believe that this decision is the right one for the future of M&S in Ireland – allowing us to invest in our store estate, expand our Irish supply base and continue to build our partnership with Applegreen, whilst offering our customers exceptional value, quality, service and innovation.”
Elsewhere, a beloved café and deli, famous for its sourdough and tasty treats, has announced its shock closure.
Baker Boys, located in the heart of Sligo’s working quarter in Finisklin, has been serving locals and the wider community for the past five years.
The cafe joins the ever-growing list of Irish businesses that are closing amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Baker Boys bosses announced that they are closing their doors this Thursday.
They said: “We have come to the end of the road.
“After an incredible five years, hanging out in Finisklin, we will be closing doors this THUR 15 FEB.
“We want to give a huge huge shout out to all the Baker Boys crew that have been part of journey of Baker Boys. The Coffee Chats have been unreal.
“Our wonderful regulars – wow, the fun, the chats and the support have been beyond amazing – THANK YOU.
“We will be here till Thur, bringing great food, coffee and chats so we’d love to see you for our last farewell.
“It’s been emotional, it’s been amazing and it’s been such an epic journey and for that we are so grateful.”
