Retail Sector: Shaws Department Stores continues its rapid expansion with the acquisition of a new store in the Harlequin Centre on Westport Road in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
The Shaws Castlebar project represents a €12 million investment in the town and will occupy 2,044sq m (22,000sq ft) of retail space.
The unit was bought off-market privately from Pat and Mary Jennings, and this brings to 15 the number of Shaws department stores. It is scheduled for a winter 2006 opening.
Shaws is set to join Aldi and the soon-to-be-opened Days Hotel as anchor tenants in the Harlequin Centre, providing a significant fillip to commercial activity in this busy regional location.
This latest acquisition is an integral part of Shaws extensive expansion strategy to take place over the next few years, says managing director of the Shaw Group, Jonathan Shaw. In addition to boosting local employment during the development of the Castlebar outlet, Shaws estimates that, on opening the store, it will create an additional 50 jobs in the retail sector for the town.
"Shaws is absolutely delighted to be moving into Castlebar, a town which has seen huge development over the last number of years. We believe there is a real opportunity to grow our business and cater for consumers in both Castlebar and its environs," says Shaw.
Speaking about the opening, Pat Jennings added: "We are delighted to be associated with the first venture for the Shaw Group west of the River Shannon. The Shaws store, which will be located within the Harlequin Centre, will be another great asset for our town and compliments Days Hotel, our other development, which will be located adjacent to the new store."
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