The carpet retailing chain Carpetright is to close seven of its 25 outlets in the Republic. The company said the move could lead to the “potential” loss of 19 jobs.

However, the British company said yesterday it could not set out at this stage which of its branches are to close. It first had to complete a period of consultation with its staff.

A London-based spokesman for Carpetright said sales in Ireland had fallen by more than 50 per cent over the last three years. Trading conditions remained very difficult.

Retail Excellence Ireland said the announcement showed the critical nature of the challenges facing the retail industry. Chief executive David Fitzsimons said the move was another example of the closures spreading through the retail industry.