Equinox store to close after 28 years trading in Belfast City Centre

BELFAST has been hit with the news of the closure of another long standing store with the loss of 12 jobs.

Equinox, a top-of-the-range store for household goods, will shut its doors in Howard Street for the last time on Saturday, August 31.

It will bring the shutters down on 28 years in trading in the city centre.

In an email to customers, store founder Kay Gilbert, said the lease expired on that date and she had “decided to call it a day and take life a bit easier”.

Twelve full time and part time members of staff are to be made redundant.

Ms Gilbert said: “The business has of course felt the effect of the economic downturn over the past five years, as have so many others.

“However this is a voluntary decision we are making based on looking towards the future of retailing and trends in the sector.

“The lease at the Howard Street premises expires at the end of August so this marked the right time to close our doors, take stock and consider future opportunities.”

Independent traders have found it tough to keep afloat because of a lack of consumers spending.