DIY giant B&Q is to close more than half of its stores across Northern Ireland.
The closure of outlets at Boucher Road, Belfast; Derry and Sprucefield have all been confirmed.
The others are believed to be Ballymena and Craigavon.
The closures - which are expected to complete by the end of next year - will result in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
A source said staff were told of the closures by management this morning.
Earlier this year, B&Q owner Kingfisher announced it would close 60 stores across Britain and Ireland.
It followed a 7.5 per cent decline in profits.
The closures will leave B&Q with just four stores across the north at Holywood Exchange, Newry, Coleraine and Newtownabbey.
In contrast, Kingfisher has been expanding its portfolio of Screwfix stores across the north.
Unlike B&Q's vast outlets - and rates bills - Screwfix operates small stores in a similar model to Argos.
