SHOP workers could face redundancy after another store pulled the plug in the Oak Mall.

Semichem employees were hit with the bombshell after being called to a meeting on Wednesday morning.

Bosses told stunned workers that the shop was closing down immediately.

One source said: “Staff were just told they were finished.
“There was no warning.

“At this rate there will soon be no shops left in the Oak Mall.”

This is the latest in a series of closures to hit the shopping centre.

The biggest blow was losing Marks and Spencer to Port Glasgow retail park last September.

Centre manager Claire Jefcoate admitted that the closure of M&S had an impact on Christmas figures but said that the remaining retailers were still trading well.

She also welcomed the recent announcement that Argos — which is next door to the doomed Semichem shop — has pledged to stay put, with a full refurbishment of their store set to be unveiled on January 19.

Semichem bosses say the shopping centre outlet has been struggling for some time.

A spokesman said: “The Semichem store in the Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Greenock has been financially challenged for some time and the continued decline in footfall has unfortunately led to the decision to close the store. Over the past few years, we’ve looked at several options to try and turn the store around.

“But unfortunately we’ve now ended up in the position where closure of the store is the only option available.”

Semichem have premises at nearby West Stewart Street and in Port Glasgow, and bosses say they are talking to staff about the future.

The spokesman said: “We’re still in discussions with the store’s six staff members, all of whom are part-time, with our first option being to transfer them to other stores in the area — these discussions are still ongoing.

 “We would like to thank our staff and our customers for their continued loyalty over the past few years.”