Argos in Greenock will close in shock move

The retailer is pulling out of the Oak Mall with staff bringing down the shutters for the final time at 5.30pm on Saturday, September 14.

Bosses of the firm, which is now owned by Sainsburys, told the Telegraph that it comes as a result of the decision to demolish that part of the shopping centre.

Argos will close permanently on Saturday, September 14 (Image: George Munro)

They said that the ten members of staff in the Oak Mall store, which is close to the Clyde Square entrance, will be offered redeployment to other stores.

But one insider said: "Staff were told last month that it was closing, with no plans to move elsewhere in Inverclyde. It came totally out of the blue.

"The staff don't know what is happening with their jobs. It is very sad because Argos has been here for a very long time. "

Argos, which has been in the town at least 30 years, will be the final outlet to close in that part of the Oak Mall, which is set to knocked down as part of the wider town centre regeneration plan.

An Argos spokesperson said: "Our Argos Greenock store will close later this year, as the shopping centre it is located in is being redeveloped. 

“We understand this will be an unsettling time for those affected by this news and we are supporting them in any way we can.

"This includes exploring opportunities for our colleagues to redeploy to alternative roles in our business.” 

It is the latest blow to Greenock which has suffered the loss of a number of big names in recent years including Wilkinsons, Marks and Spencer, and the Body Shop.

The town centre is currently undergoing a revamp with changes to West Blackhall Street and regeneration plans as part of the levelling up programme in that part of the town.

(Image: George Munro)

Stuart McMillan, Greenock and Inverclyde SNP MSP, expressed his concern and asked store bosses to reconsider opening a store elsewhere. 

He said: “I’m deeply concerned to learn that Argos are closing their Greenock branch, and my thoughts are with those who’re currently employed at the shop.

"This is another blow to Greenock town centre at a time when works are taking place to try to make the area more attractive to shop in.

“There are also plans to knock down that section of the Oak Mall as the water ingress issues are clear, but also to help transform the Clyde Square area into a better community space once this work occurs.

"I would hope that businesses like Argos would consider returning or opening a new store in the area.”