Customers await the opening of the revamped Penneys store on Barronstrand Street. This week alone, 137 new jobs, including 62 at Penneys, have been announced for Waterford city and county. | Photo: Gavin Downey
This week’s job announcements in the city and county make for most welcome headline making.
The big business news of the week is, of course, the re-opening of the newly expanded Penneys store on Barronstrand Street.
Sixty-two new jobs are to be created at the revamped store, bringing Penneys’ full-time compliment to 122, with a further 87 temporary jobs being provided during the festive period.
“This is the place to be,” said Penneys area manager Owen Sheehan. “This is a fantastic location right in the heart of Waterford and we never dreamed of going anywhere else.”
Mr Sheehan added: “Waterford City Council deserve a lot of credit for the work they’ve committed to in the city centre over the past number of years.
“The pedestrianisation of John Roberts Square was a tremendous development and the car parking initiative for Christmas is another measure that the Council deserves great credit for in creating a positive shopping environment.”
At a time when retail businesses are frequently opting for out of town centre developments, it’s refreshing to see a big player not going down that path.
And when it comes to retail spending, generating atmosphere and drawing people back into the heart of the city, Penneys performs a vital and welcome role.
Meanwhile, Tramore-based Chia Booster Distribution has announced that it intends to create 15 jobs over the next year.
The business holds the European distribution rights for the Chia seed, “a new product in human and equine nutrition” according to the statement released by the company on Monday.
