Jobs blow as Thomas Cook store is to close

COLERAINE was hit with another blow last week with the news that travel firm Thomas Cook is to close its Coleraine store.
Thomas Cook in Coleraine subject to job losses.Thomas Cook in Coleraine subject to job losses.
Thomas Cook in Coleraine subject to job losses.

Coleraine is one of eight Nothern Ireland stores which the firm plans to close.

The move is part of a cull of 2,500 of its 15,500 staff across the UK and Ireland as the company slims down its administration department and focuses more on its internet trade, hence the closure of some of its high street stores.

In total, Thomas Cook, the world’s oldest travel firm, will close 195 stores, reducing its retail outlets to 874.

Joanna Wild, managing director of the Thomas Cook Co-operative retail, said the move is part of a re-organisation.

“As a large retailer we regularly review our network to make sure we have the right stores in the right places for our customers and regrettably there are occasions where we need to close certain branches,” she said.

“Following careful consideration, we have announced that eight stores are proposed to close in the Northern Ireland region and we are working with those colleagues who are affected.”

She said the company wasn’t abandoning its high street offering. “Our high street stores are a popular way for customers to book with us and are an essential part of our multi-channel approach alongside our website.”

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