Next Home Crescent Link store set to close next year

Next Home in the Waterside will close early next year, leaving staff facing an uncertain future as Christmas approaches.

The company said it will try to keep staff who currently work in the Crescent Link store in employment at other Next stores after the closure.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed the closure, which will take place on February 1, 2024.

“Our Derry store will be closing in February, because the lease has come to an end,” they said.

“Next’s overall store numbers remain pretty constant - at around 480. You will appreciate that, with such a large portfolio, there are always leases ending – just as there are new ones commencing (so the overall net portfolio number doesn’t change by much).

“As you would expect, Next has been working actively with those affected to secure new positions in our nearby stores, and a number have already been confirmed.”

The spokesperson would not say how many employees will be affected or how many have secured new positions.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the timing of the news is a major blow.

“The news of the closure of the Next Home store in Crescent Link is gutting news for all of the staff who work there and their families,” he said.

“This news couldn’t have come at a worse time and I’d like to express my solidarity with staff at this difficult time. My office has been directly contacted by staff impacted and we’ll do everything we can to support them throughout this process.

Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson said the closure of the furniture and homeware store will be a devastating blow to workers, families and the local economy.

“Workers at Next Home in the Waterside are facing the prospect of losing their jobs as the company has announced that the Crescent Link store will close in February 2024,” the Sinn Féin MLA said.

“This news will be a huge blow for workers at the store, their families and the local economy, coming just weeks before Christmas and as people are already dealing with the rising cost of living and I want to offer my full solidarity to them.

“It is vital that Next engages immediately with workers and their representatives and keep them updated on all developments and if possible relocate the staff to other stores."