Some Irish suppliers have claimed their contracts with the former Hayes Conyngham Robinson chain have been significantly reduced by the new owners, British chemists Boots.
According to several cosmetic firms who have talked to The Irish Times, contracts have been reduced by between 30 and 70 per cent. Other suppliers claim their contracts have been terminated.
Boots has denied that any contracts with Irish suppliers have been terminated. It says it is currently "evaluating" all its Irish suppliers, and suppliers providing products which "are already clearly popular with customers have nothing to fear", said a statement. It claims certain Irish suppliers have received increased orders from Boots.
However, the company has said some product lines will obviously not fit in with its health and beauty format.
Mr Bernard Markey, spokesman for the Irish Cosmetic Association, said he has received reports from a large portion of the association's membership of a drop in orders.
"Boots have never approached us and we have good information that they intend to bring in most of their supplies from Britain in a back-door fashion," he said.
Boots took over Hayes Conyngham Robinson in late January.