Austins (department store)
Austins is a department store in the Diamond area of londonderry in Northern Ireland. The store was established in 1830 and remains standing as the worlds oldest independent department store.[1] The building measures 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2) and is five stories high, with an Edwardian-style exterior. On the third floor is a 150-seat self-service restaurant and large office area for clients to hold conferences.
The department store unexpectedly , and without warning closed its doors to staff and the public on Tuesday 8 March 2016.[2]
References
- ^ Austins in brief – the world's oldest independent department store Declan Hasson, www.austinsstore.com. Retrieved 2008-03-28
- ^ Allan, Claire (8 March 2016). "Austins: Jobs fear as Ireland's oldest department store closes its doors". Derry Journal. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
DUP MLA Gary Middleton told the 'Journal' that staff had been called to a meeting this morning to be told the store would cease trading with immediate effect and that their P45s were being prepared.