Debenhams to take over Roches outlets.

Well-known Irish retail chain Roches Stores has sold 10 of its 11 outlets to British department store group Debenhams, ending almost a century of commercial activity. In Dublin the transfer affects the outlets at Henry Street, Blackrock, Blanchardstown and Tallaght, while Roches home and gift store in Nutgrove is set to close with a loss of 14 jobs. Founded by William Roche in Cork at the turn of the last century, the company has stores all over Ireland. The transfer will be completed by 6 September. A statement from the company said that the stores had been sold as a successful going concern to protect the maximum number of jobs. Roches currently employs around 2000 staff across its 11 outlets.