Retail lobby group casts doubts over hopes for Irish HMV stores

A leading retail lobby group is casting doubt over hopes that HMV will re-open some of its Irish stores.

Retail Excellence Ireland is warning that a significant period of time has elapsed since the shops closed, and landlords are already negotiating with other potential tenants.

Earlier, it was announced that 141 of HMV's UK stores are to reopen following a deal with restructuring firm, Hilco.

Sixteen Irish units were closed earlier this year, with the loss of 300 jobs, but Hilco said it has entered negotiations with a number of Irish landlords.

David Fitzsimmons of Retail Excellence Ireland has said that re-opening the stores will prove "challenging and difficult".