Quick Read
- EuroGiant, an Irish discount retailer, has entered court-appointed liquidation.
- The company operates 77 stores across Ireland and employs approximately 640 staff.
- Rising operational costs, rent, and increased competition are cited as reasons for liquidation.
- Mark Degnan and Brendan O’Reilly of Interpath Advisory have been appointed as joint liquidators.
- All stores will continue to operate temporarily while a review determines their future, putting jobs at risk.
DUBLIN (Azat TV) – EuroGiant, a prominent Irish discount retailer operating 77 stores nationwide and employing approximately 640 staff, has entered court-appointed liquidation in early February 2026, citing escalating operational costs and intense competition within the retail sector. This significant development places hundreds of jobs across Ireland, including those in County Wexford, at immediate risk as liquidators begin a comprehensive review of the business’s viability.
Nationwide Retail Impact and Job Security Concerns
The decision to enter liquidation by EuroGeneral Limited and Bushgrove Limited, the entities trading as EuroGiant, affects all 77 of its outlets across Ireland. While stores are expected to continue operating normally for the immediate future, the long-term prospects for the approximately 640 employees remain uncertain. County Wexford, for instance, has three EuroGiant stores located in Gorey, Enniscorthy, and Wexford town, all of which are now subject to the ongoing review.
A spokesperson for EuroGiant confirmed that after more than 30 years of trading, the company officially entered court-appointed liquidation this week. The spokesperson highlighted that the business, “is no longer viable in its current form,” directly attributing this to the challenging economic environment.
Financial Pressures Behind EuroGiant’s Liquidation
The discount retailer explicitly blamed a combination of “rising costs” and “increased competition” for its financial difficulties. Specifically, the company cited the burden of rent and day-to-day operating expenses as key factors making the business unsustainable. This reflects a broader trend within the retail sector where established chains struggle against inflationary pressures and a crowded market, impacting profitability and operational sustainability.
Liquidators Appointed for Business Review
To oversee the liquidation process, Mark Degnan and Brendan O’Reilly of Interpath Advisory have been appointed as joint liquidators. Their immediate task involves conducting a thorough review of the business operations and financial performance of each store. This assessment will determine the future of individual outlets, potentially leading to their sale or outright closure. The process aims to maximize asset recovery for creditors while navigating the complexities of winding down a large retail operation.
Over Three Decades of Discount Retail in Ireland
Founded in 1990 by Charlie O’Loughlin, EuroGiant established its first outlet on Moore Street in the heart of Dublin, growing steadily over the decades to become a familiar presence in towns and cities across Ireland. For over 30 years, it has served as a staple for bargain hunters, offering a wide range of discounted goods. Its journey from a single store to a nationwide chain underscores its historical significance in the Irish retail landscape, making its current liquidation a notable event for both consumers and the industry.
The liquidation of EuroGiant serves as a stark indicator of the prevailing economic headwinds facing the retail sector in Ireland, particularly for discount retailers operating on thin margins. The struggle to absorb rising operational costs amidst intense market competition underscores the need for strategic adaptation and highlights the vulnerability of even long-established businesses in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.