Clothing chain New Look has opened their Irish stores for a final closing-down sale on Sunday.
The UK fashion outlet, which first opened here in 2003, employs 347 staff nationwide and is winding down its Irish operations following years of sustained losses.
The company, which first set up in Ireland in 2003, will hold their final liquidation sale today across their 26 stores, selling off surplus stock.
It is understood the stores will remain open until stock is cleared, depending on interest. This may vary by store, however, so it may be days to weeks until all stores officially shut.
Large queues were seen outside the chain's Letterkenny shop in Co Donegal on Sunday morning before opening, as shoppers flocked to the clothing store.
The Consumers Association Chairperson Michael Kilcoyne told Newstalk that they are concerned about competition in the market.
@niamhhf0 If you’re thinking of going to New Look, don’t #newlook #fyp ♬ original sound - frankie
"We’re deeply saddened to see any store close, the implication that it has for workers and the people who have made their careers there. We’re also concerned from the point of view of competition and the market base, and of course, if competition falls then that means that prices can rise further when there is no competition," he said.
He also said that employee morale at other retailers may be affected by the closure.
"It will make the workers in other retailers worried about what implications this might have for them. Clearly, we are a country that has become expensive and that has an impact on employees and on companies alike, I think it’s sad what has happened and I think that this whole area needs to be examined."
Shoppers in the Republic can continue to access New Look’s collections through Asos and Very.
