Harvey Nichols to close Irish store

Department store chain Harvey Nichols is set to close its Irish location after it was unable to reach an agreement to maintain trading. According to the Irish Times, Grant Thornton, joint liquidator for the insolvent Harvey Nichols Dublin, which employs 33 staff, has confirmed the outlet will shutter September 13.

In a statement to the Irish Times, Thornton recognised that the news was difficult for employees, customers and other stakeholders, and stated he would be on-site to meet staff, answer questions and provide support. “Our immediate focus is on supporting staff through this process and ensuring an orderly wind-down of operations,” the statement continued.

Thornton was appointed earlier this month to oversee the insolvency process for the site, located in Dundrum Town Centre, after Frasers Group acquired the UK arm of Harvey Nichols. The High Court determined that the Irish business was unable to pay its debts and, as a result, was insolvent.

The Dublin store has reportedly been loss-making for years, impacted by trading conditions and revoked financial support from the UK parent company. A buyer has not yet come forward and thus a winding-up process was deemed in its best interest.

Harvey Nichols’ six UK stores will remain trading under their new owner, Frasers Group, which said a significant restructuring plan was to be expected, including a review of the retailer’s portfolio, organisation, operation model and cost base.