It has been reported that popular fashion chain Quiz will likely close all of its UK shops as it is said to be calling in administrators.
The speculation has created questions over the fate of its 1,500 employees and 60 stores, and dozens more concessions and franchises, the Mirror reports. Quiz has nine stores across Northern Ireland, including one in Castle Court and a concession within New Look in Victoria Square
Fans have today taken to social media to express their sadness at the news, with some describing the move as "heartbreaking". However, the High Street is under threat as it faces a barrage of cost rises.
Quiz, which has headquarters in Glasgow, follows WH Smith's announcement that it plans to sell its High Street business, which employs some 5,000 people. A further 3,000 people are for the chop at Sainsbury's too as the supermarket giant is making cuts across various departments.
Quiz has been a familiar name in the UK fashion industry for more than 30 years since its first branch in Glasgow. It grew quickly in Scotland and now has large shops in major cities, including Cardiff, Liverpool and Manchester, in addition to concessions in New Look and branches in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Kuwait, reports Daily Mail.
In 2017, it was valued at £245 million, reports claim. However, it hit difficulty in June 2020 - during the pandemic - and a small number of jobs were cut when stores closed for good. In April, the rate of national insurance paid by employers will increase by 1.2 percentage points to 15 per cent, while the eligibility will drop from earnings of £15,000 to £9,000.
Belfast Live asked Quiz for a comment.
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