Over 300 jobs are set to be lost, as clothing retailer New Look is ceasing it's Irish operations.
The High Court today approved the appointment of liquidators to oversee the winding down of the business and its assets.
New Look says this decision was not taken lightly, but came after several years of sustained losses and challenging market conditions.
It employs 347 staff across 26 stores in 16 counties, its believed they will be subject to a redundancy programme.
Most of its stores are small to medium-sized outlets, employing an average of 12-13 staff per store.
The company says employees were notified immediately and more engagement will take place in the coming days.
"The decision to seek the appointment of liquidators was not taken lightly," New Look said.
"New Look’s Irish operation has struggled for some years, impacted by a range of factors including supply-chain and in-market costs, and squeezed consumer spending.
"New Look has undergone changes to adapt to this market – including marketing initiatives, store adaptations and price range trials - however, following a strategic review of the Irish business, New Look Group concluded it was no longer viable to continue trading in Ireland. The Group will refocus investment on its UK business and its digital offering."
A clearance sale will take place at New Look shops around the country on Sunday.
Irish customers will still be able to access New Look collections through retailers like ASOS and Very.
