13 job losses in Newry as JJB Sports goes into administration
Struggling sports retailer JJB has today been placed into administration, leading to the loss of 2,200 jobs nationwide.
The job losses in Newry are a big blow to the local community
Administrators from company KPMG had been called in on Monday and managed to save 550 jobs after selling part of the business to Sports Direct, who are reportedly in the process of buying 20 JJB stores, the JJB brand and the website.
Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring at KPMG, said successive attempts to restructure the business, both financially and operationally, have not been enough to prevent the company falling into administration.
“Unfortunately a buyer could only be found for 20 stores on a going concern basis.”
On a local level this has resulted in the loss of 141 jobs from JJB Sports in Northern Ireland and its reduction to three stores. The Newry JJB store based in the Creamery Quarter will be one of those stores that will be forced to close, resulting in a total of thirteen job-loses and the creation of yet another empty store front in the Newry City Centre.
Speaking about the closures, NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Sadly it looks likely that a big part of JJB Sports will be joining the ever growing list of retailers having to close their doors as a result of this recession and changing shopping patterns.”
“Every retailer who closes is a loss to surrounding retailers footfall in retail parks and town centres. In 2011 over a thousand independent traders in Northern Ireland closed and we are worried that this trend could double in 2012”
The administrators have set up a helpline for JJB staff. The helpline is available now on 0845 30 22 538
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=23383
Posted by Emma Taylor
on Oct 1 2012. Filed under Business, News.
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