The Carpetright chain is to close seven of its 25 outlets in the Republic with what it described as the 'potential' loss of 19 jobs.
But the British company says it cannot specify which branches are set to close until it completes a period of consultation with staff.
A London-based spokesperson for Carpetright said that sales in Ireland had fallen by more than 50% over the last three years, and that trading conditions remained very difficult.
He said that during that three-year period, Carpetright had sought to maintain the size of its Irish operation in anticipation of a hoped-for economic recovery. But with no sign of a recovery yet in evidence, it has carried out a review of the business aimed at improving its performance.
The spokesman described the decision as difficult but necessary in the face of steep declines in both customer footfall and sales volumes over a prolonged period. He said that on completion of this process, the company believes it will be in a stronger position to await a recovery in economic conditions.
The proposal to close the seven branches is subject to consultation with employees which is continuing.
