Zavvi closes 19 stores, including Blanchardstown

Music, games and DVD company Zavvi has decided to close another 19 stores, including its outlet at Blanchardstown, Dublin.

The closures which were ordered by the group’s administrators Ernst & Young will result in 366 job losses, including 13 in Blanchardstown.

Zavvi operates 11 former Virgin Megastore chain outlets in the Republic. Prior to today’s announcement the group employed 201 permanent staff here.

A spokeswoman for Ernst & Young said Zavvi's Irish stores have been in "provisional liquidation" since December 31st, 2008, and the 10 remaining stores would continue to trade while the administrators seek a buyer.

Four of the outlets due to close are based in Northern Ireland with 60 people expected to lose their jobs. Among the shops to be closed are Castlecourt in Belfast, Derry, Newry and Newtownabbey.

Ernst & Young - appointed as administrator on December 24th, said the remaining 73 stores throughout the UK with a view to selling all or part of the Zavvi business as a going concern.

Included in the closures today is the group's flagship store in London’s Piccadilly which employs 110 people. The administrators closed 22 stores and cut 178 jobs on January 8th.

"Despite having received in excess of 70 expressions of interest, we have not received any offers for the store portfolio as a whole," said Tom Jack, joint administrator.

"We remain optimistic that current sale negotiations will prove successful and that a sale can be achieved."