WELLINGTON will lose its only major retail clothing store at the end of January with the closure of Target Country.
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Seven full time and eight casual staff will be out of a job when the store closes; it is understood employees were told of the decision on Wednesday.
"We have taken the difficult decision to close our Target Wellington store, with the last day of trading planned for 31st of January. Unfortunately the store has been under performing for some time now. We have worked closely with our landlord to improve the store, however, despite their willingness to contribute, this was not enough to make the store financially viable," a Target spokesperson said.
Wellington councillor Rod Buhr said the closure was bad news for the township.
"This is very disappointing news.
"It's not just losing the store but the eight employees and the casual staff are losing their jobs. It will have a significant negative impact on our local economy."
A spokesperson said Target would try and find other jobs for the employees.
"We will look to redeploy team members to our Dubbo store where possible and in other Wesfarmers businesses."
Wellington Business Chamber president Ian Law said he was shocked and devastated by the news.
"This is a big blow for local business and jobs in Wellington and the chamber will do all it can to assist council with negotiating for a new viable business to move into the former Target store.
"We are very concerned about this," he said.