Retailer Argos has announced that they are closing all of their 34 stores in the Republic of Ireland, resulting in around 580 job losses.
The move was first confirmed by trade union Mandate, who said in a statement that they were disappointed at the decision, with Mandate official Michael Meegan saying that the union will be “engaging intensively with the company to get the best possible deal for the workers who are being made redundant”.
Argos then released a statement confirming the news, saying that they will propose an “enhanced redundancy package that goes well beyond its statutory obligations”.
After the news broke, people took to social media to express their disappointment, and to reflect on the retailer’s infamous catalogues.
Some users described it as the “end of an era”, with others calling it a “huge loss”.
Tech Editor of the Irish and Sunday Independent Adrian Wicker said on Twitter that the catalogue was the “Amazon portal of its day”, with another user saying Argos was a “good alternative to Amazon”.
One user also reflected on another smaller infamous piece of Argos, asking “if the Argos stores are closing, who gets to keep all the little red pencils, and can it be me?”.
Solidarity TD Mick Barry took to Twitter to ask “why are 580 jobs being axed when Argos’ UK parent (Sainsbury’s made £340m profit in just six months last year?”, adding that the “books should be opened now for inspection”.
Labour Senator Marie Sherlock expressed her solidarity with Argos workers, saying it is “vitally important” for workers to get the best possible redundancy package”.
Argos has said customers in Ireland will have until March 22nd to order online for collection or home delivery, with store closures being staggered across May and June.
Matthew Joyce
Image credit: Rubaitul Azad