In a strategic move, Flutter-owned Paddy Power has announced plans to close 21 of its retail betting shops in Ireland, according to reports in the Irish media. This decision is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize its operations and better align with evolving customer needs.
Retail Shop Count Post-Closure:
Following the closures, Paddy Power will maintain a network of 230 retail shops throughout the country. This consolidation aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that the remaining shops continue to deliver value to customers.
Impact on Staff:
The closure of these 21 retail outlets will affect a total of 78 staff members. While the company is committed to offering redeployment opportunities to the impacted employees, it has acknowledged that there will be some redundancies as a result of the closures.
Company Statement:
According to a statement issued by Flutter, “The majority of the 78 colleagues employed across the affected shops will be offered redeployment opportunities across the remaining estate and in close proximity to their existing employment.”
Reasons for Closure:
The decision to close these specific retail outlets in Ireland is primarily driven by lease expirations and early terminations. Paddy Power continuously evaluates its retail estate to ensure it remains aligned with its omnichannel strategy and meets the dynamic needs of its customer base.
Acknowledging Shop Colleagues:
David Newton, Chief Commercial Officer at Paddy Power, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the shop colleagues affected by these changes. He emphasized that the decision to close underperforming shops is unrelated to the hard work of the staff.
Newton stated, “This is absolutely no reflection on our hard-working shop colleagues, and I would like to thank them for their service and professionalism during this difficult time. We are in contact with all affected colleagues, and our focus is very much on providing support to those who may be impacted by the changes.”
Paddy Power’s move to close 21 retail betting shops in Ireland represents a strategic decision to optimize its retail estate. As the company continues to adapt to changing market dynamics, it remains committed to providing support to impacted employees and delivering a seamless and efficient betting experience to its customers through its remaining retail network.