Department store Menarys will close three branches next year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The chain has 20 stores across Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Managing director Stephen McCammon told BBC Radio Ulster there would be job losses.
"We are a business trading for 98 years and never in our history has there been anything quite like this," he said.
"It's been a very sad year and we've recently just entered consultation with staff in three branches which will regrettably have to close in the new year because of Covid."
Mr McCammon did not confirm which stores would be closed.
