Book outlet brand saved

THE Hughes & Hughes brand is to be preserved with the reopening of five stores and plans for further expansion.

The bookshop’s founder Derek Hughes has brought together a group of investors to run the businesses and the firm is now owned by Sivota Ltd.

Mr Hughes said he hopes to have some news on further store openings in the near future.

Sivota has purchased five of the stores from the receiver, David Carson of Deloitte, which are in the St Stephens Green Shopping Centre, Dundrum Town Centre, Omni /Santry, Pavilions/Swords and Ennis.

The company said it will honour all gift vouchers, book tokens and loyalty cards previously issued under the Hughes & Hughes brand.

Mr Hughes said: “There is a mixture of both relief and excitement in making this announcement. We were extremely unfortunate in the series of events that forced the original chain into receivership.

“Reciprocally, with new investment from my partners, we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to reopen the high street again and in the process re-hire the original 60 great employees.”

A receiver was appointed to the &chain of bookstores in February, leading to the loss of 225 jobs.

However according to Mr Hughes the majority of the original staff now either have jobs with Hughes & Hughes or with other retailers.