Penneys is investing €20 million in an expansion of its Eyre Square Shopping Centre store as part of a large scale nationwide growth drive.
Primark Ltd, the owners of Penneys, have announced plans to invest €250 million in their Irish operations in the next 10 years.
This will create 700 jobs around the country, including Galway, with 600 of those to be in their retail outlets, and 100 in their Dublin headquarters.
A planning application has already been made for the retailer to take over the unit below the existing store in the shopping centre, currently occupied by New Look, and amalgamate the two.
Galway City Council is due to make a ruling on that planning application by early December.
If approved this will result in a 55 percent increase in the total retail space of the Galway Penneys store.
Primark CEO, Paul Marchant said “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”.
Subject to planning approval, it is expected that the expanded Galway store will open in Spring of 2023.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that this announcement is a “strong vote of confidence” in Ireland’s retail sector.
“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.”
“Penneys is one of Ireland’s best-known retailers and also an international success story, having driven significant global expansion over the last few of years.”
“Much of this success is thanks to access to a talented workforce in Ireland. I wish Penneys continued success in its Irish and global expansion.”
