12/12/2007

'Throw-Away Society' Prompts Retail Closure

A Co. Antrim clothes retailing business that has stood the test of time is set to close in the New Year - with the loss of some staff jobs.

Cartmills of Glengormley is feeling the pinch of the “multi-nationals” and is closing its ladies’ fashions department after 52 years’ trading, with the loss of four jobs.

However, it's not all bad news as the company's school wear department at the Antrim Road shop will remain open and will continue to service the 24 schools it provides uniforms and equipment to.

A local business landmark since 1955, the daughter of founder Fred Cartmill, Lorraine McCarthy, said the closure was due to the “changing trends of retail” in Northern Ireland.

The closure comes just weeks after historic local fashion house Parsons and Parsons decided to close up shop after over 90 years in business, citing similar pressures from the “multi-nationals”.

Cartmills’ men’s fashions, an integral part of the Glengormley business for half a century, closed two years ago.

Commenting on changing times in retail, Mrs McCarthy said we now live in a “throw away society”, less interested in quality clothing provided by family businesses like hers.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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