Up to 85 jobs at Harvey Norman could be affected in Ireland as part of a business reshuffle.

Harvey Norman chairman Gerry Harvey. (File pic)

The Australian firm announced 32 positions could be created with a new store opening and an expansion in the online sales division, meaning some of those who face losing a job could be redeployed.

Around 45 workers could be affected following the closure of a store in Mullingar, while the reformatting of the Dundalk centre and two shops in Northern Ireland could see a further 40 jobs at risk.

Harvey Norman Ireland Chief Executive Blaine Callard (right) said the Mullingar shop was no longer making enough money to stay open.

“While the closure of any store is naturally regrettable, it was simply not economic for the Mullingar outlet to continue in operation,” he said.

“The company could no longer ignore the simple facts that the store in question was not trading at a level that justified continuing investment.”

However, he insisted overall revenue across the island is growing, which is reflected in the new store opening in Blanchardstown.

“Our move into online is about giving our customers convenience and choice about how they buy from us – it is all part of our Omni channel strategy,” he added.