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100 jobs go as supermarket shuts | 100 jobs go as supermarket shuts |
(31 minutes later) | |
A supermarket in Strabane is to close with the loss of more than 100 jobs. | A supermarket in Strabane is to close with the loss of more than 100 jobs. |
Better Deals on the Melmount Road has been trading for 16 years, but is expected to close by June. Other units at the site are also expected to shut. | Better Deals on the Melmount Road has been trading for 16 years, but is expected to close by June. Other units at the site are also expected to shut. |
The store's owner Gary McLaughlin blamed tough competition, particularly the Asda store in the town. | The store's owner Gary McLaughlin blamed tough competition, particularly the Asda store in the town. |
"A lot of people have mortgages and young kids. I don't call my staff 'staff', I call them friends," he said. | "A lot of people have mortgages and young kids. I don't call my staff 'staff', I call them friends," he said. |
"These big supermarkets can come in from England and cut costs. | "These big supermarkets can come in from England and cut costs. |
"In 10 years the only place you'll be able to shop in Derry or Strabane is Asda or Tesco or Sainsbury," he said. | "In 10 years the only place you'll be able to shop in Derry or Strabane is Asda or Tesco or Sainsbury," he said. |
Glyn Roberts of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association said it was "a very sad day." | |
"The owner of the store refers to the location of the ASDA store in the town as a major reason for the closure of his business, which drew customers away from the town centre," he added. | |
"There are over a dozen other out of town multiple applications right across Northern Ireland which pose a threat to numerous town centres and businesses like Better Deals who are unable to compete on such an unfair basis. | |
"We need urgent action by DOE Planning Service to reject these applications and prevent any further retail devastation of our town centres." |