Ireland’s retail and hospitality industries are grappling with a wave of closures as several well-known businesses shut their doors in 2025. The closures, including iconic stores like Thunders Home Bakery and Dealz in Cork, Schuh in Limerick, and all New Look stores across the country, have left hundreds of workers facing uncertainty.

These closures reflect the broader challenges facing the sector, which has been severely impacted by a combination of high operating costs, changing consumer habits, and the growing dominance of online shopping. Retailers are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of rent and labor while contending with fluctuating demand.

In the hospitality sector, pubs and restaurants are also feeling the squeeze. Increased competition, rising food prices, and lower foot traffic have made it difficult for some businesses to remain profitable, especially in an era where dining out and shopping habits are rapidly shifting.

Experts warn that these closures are part of a larger trend of consolidation in Ireland’s retail and hospitality markets, which may continue as businesses adjust to a more challenging economic landscape. With fewer physical stores opening, the focus is shifting more towards online platforms, prompting both small businesses and large chains to reconsider their strategies.

The closures have sparked debates about the future of traditional retail and the need for government support to help struggling businesses adapt to the changing landscape.

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