Penneys' plans for a massive two-floor store in Dublin's biggest shopping centre has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the fashion retailer said it was suspending rent payments on its Irish stores as it took the decision to shut alongside other 'non-essential' businesses.
The company has confirmed that its negotiations to take two of the floors in Dundrum Town Centre, currently occupied by House of Fraser, is on hold as it is reviewing all spending during this difficult time.
“Our current priority is to support our people and the business through this pandemic and we look forward to resuming business as usual as soon as possible once our stores re-open,” a spokeswoman for the company told The Irish TImes.
It is understood that the chain was planning to close its existing shop there once it had moved into the House of Fraser space.
This comes weeks after it was rumoured that a south Dublin Penneys that was closed down before Christmas is to be replaced with what is going to be a popular choice among shoppers.
Staff in the iconic clothes shop in Rathfarnham Shopping Centre were left shocked before Christmas when it was announced the store would close after 28 years of service.
Workers in the south Dublin suburb were given the option of being relocated to either Liffey Valley, Dundrum, or Nutgrove if they wanted to.
At the time, there was a battle to ensure that a "big attraction" would be put in its place and rumours are circulating that the big attraction may be a Dealz shop.
Knocklyon Network have said that the discount store is moving into the spot in Rathfarnham and will also have a clothing section operated by its sister company Pep & Co.
The company are reportedly recruiting for staff at an open day on March 20 from 9am to 5:30pm at Nutgrove Enterprise Centre.
At the time, Fianna Fail TD John Lahart put himself at the forefront in making sure the shop would get a new marquee store.
He said: "Twenty-eight years ago, Penneys opened this store in Rathfranham Shopping Centre.
"They announced to staff last Friday that this store will close in February.
"All staff will be relocated if they wish to, either in the Liffey Valley, Nutgrove, or Dundrum Town Centre's Penneys.
"My priority is to ensure that Penneys, which would have been a big attraction and big draw to this shopping centre, is replaced as quickly as possible.
"I've written to the management company, requested a meeting, to see what their plans are to attract a replacement tenant for this premises as soon as possible."
