Avoca closes store as it plans to carry out ‘case-by-case’ assessments

AVOCA, an Irish food and lifestyle retailer, has permanently closed its store in Letterfrack, Co Galway, as it assesses its other closed locations on a “case-by-case” basis.

In response to questions from the Sunday Independent, the retailer, which is owned by US multinational Aramark, said it had been “significantly impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic” and was taking “all steps necessary to protect the business”.

Avoca confirmed it was “restructuring” a number of roles across the business as part of this effort, and that “unfortunately, this might result in some redundancies”.

Following queries about potential store closures, Avoca said it had reopened the majority of its stores, including those in Ballsbridge, Co Dublin, and Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow.

However, stores which remain closed include Avoca Village, Co Wicklow, Avoca Moll’s Gap, Co Kerry, Avoca Belfast and Avoca Suffolk Street, Co Dublin. Avoca said the stores remained closed as they are “directly impacted by international tourism”. A spokeswoman for Avoca said the Letterfrack store in Co Galway was closed permanently.

The spokeswoman added the company was “continuously assessing each store on a case-bycase basis as part of our phased reopening strategy and are committed to reopening stores which are viable and safe to do so.”

In relation to other stores, she said the Avoca Belfast store would be opening “in the coming weeks”.

It has been reported that Avoca employs around 1,000 staff at its 14 cafes and stores.

Accounts for owner Aramark Ireland show it recorded a €16.2m pre-tax loss in the 12 months to September 27, 2019.

Avoca shop and cafe in Letterfrack