Bangor's popular Poundstretcher shop has closed with immediate effect this morning.
The company posted a short message on their Facebook page simply stating they have had to shut up shop.
Staff were told as they prepared for work that their jobs were gone and management asked the public to be sensitive to the shock if discussing the matter on social media.
The shutters have now been pulled on the Bangor store in the Clandeboye Retail Park.
A statement said: "Unfortunately due to events out of our control, we have had to close with immediate effect.
"We want to thank each and every customer who has come through our doors over the years, and wish you the very best in the future.
"Please be sensitive with your comments for the sake of the staff who have just had this landed on them."
Until today Northern Ireland had 22 Poundstretcher stores operating; Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast Castle St, Belfast Connswater, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon Market St, Craigavon Rushmere Centre, Downpatrick, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Larne, Lisburn, Lurgan, Newtownards, Newry, Magherafelt, Omagh and Strabane.
Belfast Live has approached Poundstretcher for comment.
