300 jobs lost as HMV quits Republic of Ireland
Entire Irish workforce laid off after search for store buyers fails.
HMV will shed all 16 of its Irish stores leading to the loss of 300 jobs, the chain has announced.
Under Irish law, all HMV shops were temporarily closed last month when the chain announced it had entered administration.
HMV administrator Deloitte was seeking a buyer for the stores but today announced this search had not been successful.
"The Receiver to HMV Ireland Limited, David Carson of Deloitte, today confirmed with regret that the 16 stores, which were closed by HMV Ireland prior to receivership, will not reopen," a statement passed to Eurogamer reads. "All 300 staff, previously placed on temporary lay-off, will now be made redundant.
"Since his appointment, the receiver has conducted an assessment of the viability of the company and has actively sought a sale. The marketplace is very difficult given competition from web-based retailers and digital downloads, compounded by a number of other factors including high levels of rent.
"All stores were loss-making and it was not possible to attract a purchaser."
Eurogamer has contacted HMV for more information, we'll update when we hear back.