Orchestra-Prémaman set to close 34 Belgian stores

Children's clothing and toys retailer Orchestra-Prémaman has announced it is closing almost two thirds of its Belgian stores, with the loss of at least 100 jobs.

In a meeting with unions on Tuesday, management said 22 more outlets would be closed, on top of the 12 already announced before Christmas.

The move means 34 of the group's 53 stores will now cease trading. SETCA union rep Fabienne Meulemans said: "Negotiations are still ongoing between unions and management. Meetings will resume next week."

Orchestra-Prémaman, which specialises in clothing and accessories for babies and children, announced financial difficulties last September.

Its Belgian subsidiary employs 420 people. Since November, it has already shed 45 jobs through early retirement and voluntary redundancy.