A popular pet store is set to close next month with “increasing competitive market challenges” being blamed for the closure.

McLaughlin's Pet and Garden Shop, of Ship Street, Cork, will close its doors for the final time after serving the Irish city’s community since 1978 and spanning three generations.

"The decision to close our Cork store comes on the back of increasing competitive market challenges and the decision to centralise our operations to our headquarters in Bandon. Bandon and our Mitchelstown store will continue to serve the County of Cork, and beyond like we have for the past 70 years,” revealed the owners.

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