Job losses as Topshop in Craigavon and Portadown shut after takeover

Online retail giant ASOS has indicated its Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge stores are to close after it bought over the troubled outlet.
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Craigavon’s Rushmere Shopping Centre’s Topshop and Topman stores are facing the axe as is the Portadown shop.

This is the latest blow to the Craigavon complex after Debenhams was taken over recently and also plans to close its high street stores.

At this stage it is unclear how many jobs locally will be affected by the news.

Debenhams at Rushmere, Craigavon. Photo courtesy of GoogleDebenhams at Rushmere, Craigavon. Photo courtesy of Google
Debenhams at Rushmere, Craigavon. Photo courtesy of Google

Asos this week confirmed it has sealed the takeover of Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT from the collapse of the Arcadia retail empire for £265 million.

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, described it as “very grim news”.

He added: “It is another grim loss for Northern Ireland’s high street and the staff of these retailers and their families.

“It is a disturbing new trend. It is almost like asset stripping of some of the largest high street brands. There is also the knock-on impact of the loss of footfall for other retailers around these stores.

“This is a transition forwards a completely different high street. It will not be easy but we will get there. The Stormont Executive could play its part in this transition by appointing a High Street Task Force.”

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