MOTHERCARE Ireland is to close its 14 branches, including its one in Manor West Tralee, after it was placed into liquidation.

This is another blow to Manor West after Debenhams closed permanently during the COVID-19 crisis, but some good news is that Fitzgibbon Interiors will be opening a new showroom in the Retail Park in the coming weeks.

Mothercare Ireland MD Jonathan Ward said the closure was due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and that sales would to continue to be seriously impacted in the short term while social distancing measures are in place.

Continued below…

He said the company had already experienced issues with its supply chain and with the pandemic crisis they were facing substantial losses this year alone.

Mothercare employed 197 people across 14 stores in Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick, Newbridge, Portlaoise, Sligo and Tralee, .

It will be up to the liquidator to decide whether any outstanding vouchers and deposits are refunded or honoured in some way.