THE CLOSURE of another major retailer on one of Glasgow's busiest shopping streets has sparked fears of a 'domino effect'.

Shoppers on Sauchiehall Street said they had hoped the thoroughfare was improving with the opening of new burger chain Smashburger, and the redevelopment of the Willow Tearooms.

However, as reported by the Evening Times, the street suffered another major blow last week when Dunnes Stores announced it would be closing its doors.

It is understood that around 18 staff at the clothes and homeware store have lost their jobs after they were told three weeks ago that the branch would close for good on Saturday, October 14.

Most of the roles, it is believed, were part time and staff have been told they will not be relocated.

Dunnes stores has been operating in Ireland for around 70 years and there is more than 140 stores across the UK employing 15,000 people.

Yesterday on the city's busiest shopping street, locals expressed their dismay over the future of the street.

Jane Campbell, 53, from Maryhill said she was sad about the store's closure, and was a regular shopper.

The nurse added: "It is a real shock I think. It has been here for so long, and it's really disappointing that it's closing.

"Let's hope it doesn't cause a domino effect like we've seen in the past, and no more big chains start shutting down."

James Wright, 25, from the East End, said that he wasn't sure if the Dunnes closure would have an impact on the fortunes of Sauchiehall street.

The psychology student said: "I've never been in to the shop, but I always think of it as a place for older people. Maybe it needed to have a revamp or something to keep it busy.

" I do think Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street need a rethink though. The state of the pavements is awful, there are always places boarded up or closing down.

"There are also a huge number of homeless people now all over the two streets. I don't think it's right that they should have to sleep in shop doorways and things. They need to be given somewhere to stay and these shops need to be revived again."

Amanda Barratt, a shop assistant from Yorkhill, said: "As I work in retail, I understand how difficult it is to keep things ticking over and attract customers.

"Not only do people have less money these days, but the but the fact it costs so much to park in town, the actual area of Sauchiehall Street isn't really attractive to visit, and there are more and more shops closing all the time...No wonder people don't come.

"I think it would be a shame if even more shops closed but something needs to be done to bring mroe people back into town and away from all the shopping centres."