Waterford is losing two of its longest running shops
Euro Giant in Waterford - the founder of EuroGiant, Charlie O’Loughlin, said the situation was “a very hard day” for him personally. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford has changed a lot in the past twenty-five years, but two shops, Claire's and EuroGiant, have withstood the ups and downs of financial crashes and global pandemics. This week, though, Claire's put 'Closing Down Sale' signs up in its windows, and EuroGiant made a public plea to keep the shop in business long enough for some staff members to qualify for state redundancies.
Claire's will close in Waterford City after twenty-five years of business at the end of March.
The shop is popular with teenagers for its affordable accessories and piercing services.
According to a staff member at the Waterford branch, staff were told the store would close in February, but that date was pushed to March.
In a post on social media, Eurogiant Waterford said: "It has been made clear to us that all jobs are at risk and that stores may close in the coming weeks.
"From next week, liquidators will be assessing stores based on factors such as sales, stock levels and footfall, and decisions will be made about which locations remain open and which will close."
In a heartfelt message, staff members implored the public to consider purchasing everyday items in Eurogiant in the coming days and weeks.
Claire's went into administration in August of last year, but was saved when Modella Acquisitions (which also owns WH Smith) bought 155 Claire's stores across Ireland and Britain, out of a total of 350. At that stage, the other remaining 145 stores closed.
Claire's went into administration for a second time last month when CAUKI Limited acquired Modella. According to the staff member, CAUKI tried to find a buyer for Claire's but couldn't.
It is unconfirmed that all 15 branches still operating in Ireland are closing, as no official statement has been released.
The shop has been a staple in Waterford City for over two decades, and the staff member told the that staff members from 20 years ago regularly visit the shop.
It was announced last Thursday that EuroGeneral/Bushgrove Ltd, trading as EuroGiant, has entered court-appointed liquidation, putting 640 jobs at risk.
In a post on social media, Eurogiant Waterford said: "For some of our staff, remaining open a little longer could also make a crucial difference in terms of qualifying for statutory redundancy entitlements. Even a short extension could have a significant impact on people’s livelihoods."
They continued: "This is not an easy message to write. Our immediate goal is simply to ask for the public’s support in helping us stay in employment for as long as possible. If you need something that we stock, please consider shopping with us."
EuroGiant first opened in Waterford in 1999 and has been a part of Michael Street ever since.
The founder of EuroGiant, Charlie O’Loughlin, said the situation was “a very hard day” for him personally.
“I founded this business over 30 years ago, and I never imagined it would end like this,” he told RTÉ News.
“What matters most to me now is our staff. Many people have given a huge part of their working lives to the company, and I know how worrying and unsettling this will be for them and their families.
"I am deeply sorry that this is where things have gotten to. We did everything we realistically could to keep the business going, but the pressures it faced over time meant that was no longer possible. My focus now is on supporting an orderly wind-down of the business and working with the liquidator to achieve the best possible outcome for employees.”
