City furniture store to close after 60 years of trading

MUNSTER Furniture, one of the longest established retail furniture stores in Cork city, is to close its doors after more than 60 years’ trading.

The company, at North Main Street in the city centre, has informed its 11 staff that it will cease trading at the end of November.

The decision is being taken in the face of increasing competition from the large number of British and other non-Irish multiples entering the market, most of which are trading in suburban retail parks and out-of-town locations, according to a company statement.

“There are huge changes taking place in the trade and with the proliferation of new shops and the projected arrival of many more, it is getting very difficult for a traditional furniture store in the city centre,” a company statement said.

“Apart from the more competitive environment, traffic difficulties and the aggressive enforcement of parking restrictions by the city council have discouraged many shoppers from coming to the city centre.

“The decision to close was very difficult and was arrived at only after a lengthy consideration of all the options. However, in our view, the long-term prospects for a city centre, indigenous furniture store are poor. The decision to close is no reflection on our staff who have been fantastic and for whom this will be a huge shock. We will be doing everything possible to place them in other employment.”

The statement added: “Our decision to close has no implications for goods on deposit and order and those arrangements with our customers will be fully honoured in the normal way.” The company thanked its customers for their support over the years.