Fears are confirmed at Bon Marche

STAFF based at Downpatrick's Bon Marche fashion chain have been told their store will close over the next few months, writes Anne O'Hare.

The Market Street shop is among 12 stores across the province that will close it's doors over the coming months. For the Downpatrick store, the news means the loss of five permanent jobs in an already difficult trading environment.

One member of staff from the fateful store blamed traffic congestion from ongoing road works last year in the town as a contributing factor to the drop in their annual sales figures.

Dermot Curran Chairperson of Down District Council and local Economic Development spokesperson agreed shops in the town of Downpatrick are holding on by their teeth.

He said: “As far as Downpatrick is concerned these are very difficult times. And the latest news announced this week regarding rate relief for local businesses has come to late for stores like Bon Marche.

“We cannot ignore the impact that traffic congestion is having on the town too and it is putting stores in greater jeopardy. It is now a matter of great urgency to look at solutions to this problem such as a by-pass for Downpatrick town.”

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive for Northern Ireland Retail Trade Association voiced his regret over the store closure. He said: “I'm very saddened by the news of this particular store closure. Especially in light of the buyover earlier in the week.

“Given the high number of store closures in the area already it becomes increasingly concerning. The news proves the point made by many economists that the first quarter of this year would prove very difficult indeed for traders. January and February were highlighted as being the ones to watch.

“When a store closes the outcome is reduced footfall into the town and this will ultimately impact upon the other existing shops.

“Disruption from road works can further impact on traders who are already experiencing fairly tight margins. And I would urge government departments to be mindful of this when they plan road maintenance works.”