GLASGOW'S iconic Sauchiehall Street has been hit with another blow after a major retailer announced it will close its doors this month.

It is understood that around 18 staff at Dunnes Stores have lost their jobs after they were told three weeks ago that the branch would close for good on Saturday, October 14.

The Evening Times also understands that most of the roles were part-time and staff will not be relocated.

Customers shopping in the store were informed of the news through giant posters on the window display.

Glasgow Times:

The posters notified customers of the closure and advised of other Dunnes outlets close by where they can still shop.

Those stores included the Forge Shopping Centre in Glasgow's East End and the Antonine Centre in Cumbernauld.

Last month, the Irish chain also closed its long-standing store in Clydebank's Clyde Shopping Centre.

The closure of that store on September 30 was labelled a "big loss" to the town.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson said: “I am very saddened that Dunnes has closed. It has been a significant part of Clydebank’s retailing experience, and I believe it occupied the largest unit in the centre. My thoughts are especially with the staff who have found themselves out of a job."

Dunnes Stores has been operating in Ireland for around 70 years and there is more than 140 stores across the UK employing 15,000 people.

The company's founder Ben Dunne used his savings to open the first ever Dunnes Stores on Patrick Street in Cork on March 31, 1944.

The closure means another empty unit on the city's iconic Sauchiehall Street with Greaves Sports also closing at the start of the year.

Managing director Sandy Greaves blamed the rise of out of town shopping centres for the closure of the branch.

The sports retailer, which first opened up in Glasgow in 1930, made the announcement following the departure of High Street chain BHS from Sauchiehall Street the previous year.

Glasgow Times:

Another famous Glasgow retailer Crocket the Ironmonger also shut up shop after 50 years in the city centre.

The family firm, which was founded in 1870 and based in nearby West Nile Street, said its closure was part of plans to restructure the business on the back of changes in the UK retailing environment.

The Evening Times also previously reported that the former BHS site opposite Greaves, which remains empty with two other units next door, has been earmarked for a £75million redevelopment.

Initial plans have already been submitted to the Glasgow City Council for a 12-storey scheme in the city centre, with the team managing the development claiming it will transform the area around Sauchiehall Street.

The development by Formal Investments will extend onto Renfield Street and Bath Street and into neighbouring properties recently acquired by the company behind the scheme.