Penneys is to create 700 new jobs as part of a massive €250million expansion programme which will include a new flagship store in the capital.
The new 43,000 sq ft outlet will open in The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght next autumn and will become the 37th Penneys store in Ireland.
This new venture alone will provide 300 jobs when it opens.
The investment includes “one new store location, one relocated store, existing store redevelopments and the development of a warehousing and distribution facility in Newbridge, Co. Kildare”.
With the addition of 700 jobs, Penneys' workforce will also increase by 12% in the next three years.
Around 100 of these will be in Penneys' global headquarters at Arthur Ryan House, based above the company’s store on Dublin’s Mary Street.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has welcomed the news saying: “This announcement is a really strong vote of confidence in the retail sector, with investment planned for stores in cities and towns across the country.
“It’s creating significant employment with 700 new jobs and will also help to secure footfall in our towns and cities once we emerge from the pandemic.”
The expansion programme will see the iconic retailer increase its total retail space in Ireland by 20% over the next ten years.
As well as the new Tallaght store there will also be a €60million investment made in the redevelopment and extension of its Patrick Street store in Cork city while €20million will be invested in an extension at its Eyre Square outlet in Galway.
Another €75million will also be spent on a new 5550,000 sq ft distribution centre in Newbridge, Co Kildare which recently received planning permission and is due to open in early 2024.
The company’s Carlow store is relocating to a larger building and will reopen next summer.
Primark chief executive Paul Marchant said: “We are proud to announce a significant long-term investment in our Penneys business to improve and grow our Irish stores by creating 700 new jobs across the country.
“We hugely value our incredibly loyal Irish customers who have supported us over the years. The site of our very first store which opened more than 50 years ago is today home to our global headquarters, leading our business in 14 markets around the world.
“But even as we grow internationally, Ireland will always be our first and home market, and we remain as committed as ever to our employees, customers, and stores here.
“Our investment plans demonstrate the confidence and commitment we have to Penneys in Ireland: we plan to remain at the centre of Irish retail for a long time to come.”
Primark’s Dublin head office supports a global network of 399 stores, and 70,000 employees across 14 markets.
Its 40th store is due to open next week on the Italian island of Sciliy.
Primark also intends to grow in the US market, from 13 to 60 stores.
