580 jobs to go Xtra-vision after Christmas collapse

A poor Christmas for DVD rental chain Xtra-vision could see 580 jobs lost across Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Its 94 remaining stores have been placed into provisional liquidation, including its 11 Northern Ireland sites.

The chain’s current owner, Hilco, also operates HMV, which houses a number of Xtra-vision outlets. It is understood the music store chain may seek to buy back a small number of the 83 Xtra-vision stores and reopen them under separate ownership.

Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton has been appointed provisional liquidator of Xtra-Vision. The firm said: “Our first priority is to meet and brief employees at all 83 locations and process their entitlements for redundancy.

“Over the coming days we will be in contact with all creditors of the company. However, it is important to note that any Xtra-Vision gift vouchers will be honoured by HMV which is not affected by this liquidation.”

Xtra-Vision was acquired by Hilco in 2013 after entering receivership earlier that same year.