The very sad news is that Deloitte Ireland have announced that HMV’s 16 stores here are to close permanently with the loss of 300 jobs.
Spokesman Dave Carson insists all of the outlets were loss-making – something which has been strongly contested by senior members of HMV staff that we've spoken to over the past few weeks.
It’s a similarly bleak scenario north of the border with nine stores in Belfast, Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon, Derry, Lisburn, Newry and Newtownabbey axed at the cost of 190 jobs. It’s been suggested that HMV NI’s Royal Avenue flagship may be spared, making it the only survivor on the island.

Here is the official statement from Deloitte:

The Receiver to HMV Ireland Limited, David Carson of Deloitte, today confirmed with regret that the 16 stores, which were closed by HMV Ireland prior to receivership, will not reopen. All 300 staff, previously placed on temporary lay-off, will now be made redundant.

Since his appointment, the Receiver has conducted an assessment of the viability of the company and has actively sought a sale. The marketplace is very difficult given competition from web-based retailers and digital downloads, compounded by a number of other factors including high levels of rent. All stores were loss making and it was not possible to attract a purchaser.

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