Penneys store in Dundrum Town Centre was officially opened on Thursday by Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with special responsibility for Retail Business, following a €16 million investment by the retailer.
Penneys, which operates as Primark outside of Ireland, currently has 37 stores in Ireland. The new opening in Dundrum is part of the retailer’s commitment to invest over €250 million in Ireland over the next 10 years, which includes the development, relocation and/or refurbishment of its stores across the country.
Prime Retail Space
The investment also includes a €75 million state-of-the-art warehousing and distribution facility in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, which is currently under construction.
The new Dundrum Penneys now occupies the second and third floors of the former House of Fraser site, featuring 60,000 square feet of prime retail space.
130 Jobs
It has 64% more shopping space than its previous store, Penneys is now one of the largest fashion retailers at Dundrum Town Centre and becomes the third largest Penneys in Ireland.
The move to a much bigger store has created 130 new jobs, bringing the total headcount at the store to 360, with all employees moving from the former Penneys site to its new home in the Centre.
'Expanded Product Range'
"This has been a significant project for our property and retail teams, and the finished result looks incredible," said Head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland, Damien O’Neill. "Between the expanded product range offering even more great-value fashion and essentials, and all our new in-store services, we think customers new and old are going to love Penneys’ amazing, expanded retail space."
He added, "Our continued investment in our Irish business demonstrates the confidence and commitment we have in our home market, and we are proud to continue to play our part in supporting Irish cities, towns and communities.”
'Irish Success Story'
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond TD, who opened the store, said, “This €16 million investment by Penneys in Dundrum is hugely welcome and highlights the attractiveness of Dundrum Town Centre as a place to do business. With over 400 stores around the world, Penneys is a true Irish success story."
She added, "As the people’s retailer, Penneys committed last summer to help ease the cost-of-living crisis by continuing its commitment to sustainable affordable clothing and protecting prices on hundreds of essential children's items.”
Source: www.businessworld.ie
