A HIGH-END wine shop in Dublin city centre has announced it is to close down after 10 years because the business has been unable to generate an “acceptable” return on investment.
Berry Bros Rudd, which is located on Harry Street near St Stephen’s Green, said that a combination of high running costs and high retail rents in Dublin were factors behind the decision to close the store.
The shop is to cease trading on July 29th and 12 staff are to be made redundant.
The company, which has been in business for more than 300 years, has other stores in central London, Basingstoke in southern England and Hong Kong, as well as an online sales service.
Its decision to open a Dublin outlet at the former weights and measures building in 1999 was seen as an indication of Irelands growing economic success.
In a statement, Berry Bros Rudd said that because of high running costs, it “has been unable to make an acceptable return despite a decade of continued investment in the operation”.
The company’s managing director, Hugh Sturges, thanked customers, suppliers and staff for their loyalty over the years.
“We have very much enjoyed being part of the Irish wine market as it has grown and we hope to continue to be part of it as it continues on its upward path,” said Mr Sturges.
Jessica Lavin, the general manager of the Dublin store, said the company hoped to continue supply to Irish customers on a delivery-only basis after the shop closes. “We are working on the finer details of this now and will update as soon as we can,” Ms Lavin said yesterday.
