Zavvi store closures will hit towns hard – Neeson

Alliance Enterprise Spokesperson Séan Neeson MLA has said that the planned closure of four local Zavvi stores will have a very negative impact on the areas affected. He said the fact that four out of the 18 stores announced for closure today are based here will have a disproportionate impact on the local economy. The four local stores earmarked for closure are based in Castlecourt, Newry, Londonderry and Newtownabbey.

The East Antrim MLA said: “This announcement will have a disproportionate impact on Northern Ireland with four out of the 18 stores earmarked for closure today being located here. Other closures announced last week by the company did not affect Northern Ireland, but today’s news has rocked the local retail industry.

“This news will hit local economies hard as Zavvi stores bring shoppers into retail areas and boost other businesses nearby.

“This is yet more bad news for Northern Ireland and there is little sign that the Stormont Executive’s work is doing anything to help stop the continuous job losses. Local Ministers must show leadership and vision to protect our economy. We need radical strategies to promote entrepreneurship and take an environmentally-sound path out of these tough economic times.

“59 jobs will be lost across the four affected Zavvi stores here, and staff must be provided with appropriate assistance to help them find alternative employment.”

ENDS