Penneys is creating 700 new jobs in Ireland over the next three years as part of a €250 million investment.
600 roles will come on stream in Penneys stores, while a hundred will be added to the fashion retailer's global HQ on Mary Street in Dublin city.
It represents a 12% increase in the company's workforce and is part of a 10 year capital injection plan into store expansion and redevelopment across existing Penneys shops.
It will see a 20% increase in total retail space for customers across Ireland, including a new Penneys store at The Square in Tallaght that will open in Autumn 2022. It will bring the total number of stores in Ireland to 37.
The announcement includes a new distribution centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD welcomed the news, commenting; "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."
Primark CEO, Paul Marchant said; "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."
