Dunnes Stores in Drogheda to Close Its Doors After 50 Years of Service

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Dunnes Stores in Drogheda to Close Its Doors After 50 Years of Service

The closure of Dunnes Stores in Drogheda marks the end of an era for the community after more than 50 years of service. The grocery store, located on West Street, will shut its doors for the final time on October 31st. This decision affects 27 staff members, who have expressed shock and disappointment.

Dunnes Stores: A Historical Presence in Drogheda

Dunnes Stores has a rich history in Drogheda, being one of the retailer’s earliest locations. Ben Dunne, the founder, had a significant connection to the town, recalling his drapery apprenticeship in 1926 as a pivotal moment in his career. The impending closure is seen as a considerable loss to the town’s retail landscape.

Impact on Employees

  • 27 staff members affected by the closure.
  • Most have served up to 20 years at the location.
  • Employees expressed disappointment over the lack of communication regarding the decision.

The management communicated the closure to staff on Monday without holding a dedicated meeting to address their concerns. In response, the union Mandate is organizing a meeting to discuss the situation further.

Future Redeployment Opportunities

Employees have been informed that redeployment to nearby Dunnes locations at Scotch Hall and Colpe Cross shopping centres may be possible. However, there has been no confirmation of these opportunities.

Effects on Drogheda Town Centre

The closure of Dunnes Stores is viewed as a significant setback for Drogheda’s town centre. Community representatives are voicing concerns about the decline of retail options. Dom Gradwell from the Drogheda Vacancy and Dereliction Group stated that the closure feels like “death by a thousand cuts” to the town.

Need for Revitalization

Although Drogheda was recently included in the Living City Initiative, which aims to rejuvenate underused buildings, local leaders believe these efforts come too late. Gradwell noted that previous initiatives could have fostered increased foot traffic and supported local businesses more effectively.

As the community grapples with the loss of Dunnes Stores, questions remain about the future of retail in Drogheda. City leaders must take decisive action to prevent further declines in the local shopping environment.