14 stores across Ireland are to close.
Mothercare Ireland has gone into liquidation which will see its 14 stores across Ireland close.
The retail chain, which sells products for babies and young children, blamed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic for the closure.
Mothercare Ireland had operated 14 stores across Ireland and employed 197 people.
In a statement on Friday morning, Managing Director Jonathan Ward said the impact of Covid-19 on the business had been unprecedented.
He said that sales had been and continue to be severely impacted in the short term and social distancing and other measures would mean “significant losses” this year and into the future.
Mothercare had stores in Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick, Newbridge, Portlaoise, Sligo and Tralee.
The UK arm of the business went into administration in November 2019.
“When Covid-19 began to spread in Ireland no one knew the scale of the impact that this would have,” Ward said.
“The impact on our business to date is unprecedented and what has become clear over the recent weeks is that store sales are going to continue to be seriously impacted in the short term whilst social distancing measures are in place and longer term as consumer habits permanently change.”
He added: “As a family business, it is devastating news for the entire team.
“Whilst we’ve tried to keep our teams as up to date as possible through these challenging times, it’s still a huge shock.
“We wish to thank all our loyal management and staff for their dedication and service to our customers over the years.
“We’d like to acknowledge also the support of our customers, who have trusted us to look after their little ones for three generations, and to all our suppliers who have worked alongside us over the last 28 years.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
