MORE THAN 100 new jobs have been created in Co Tipperary by Marks & Spencer with the opening of a store in Clonmel this morning.
The British retailer’s first outlet in the southeast is seen as a commercial coup for the south Tipperary town, which expects to attract shoppers from neighbouring Kilkenny and Waterford.
Karen Moore, the business development manager with Clonmel Chamber of Commerce, said the store’s opening would have a “positive” impact on other businesses in the town and provide a “huge boost for employment at a difficult economic time”.
The store is in the new Showgrounds Shopping Centre – one of the largest commercial ventures in Munster – which is expected to employ 500 people when it fully opens in October.
The Clonmel shop is Marks Spencer’s 20th store in the State since it entered the market here 30 years ago. The company also operates 20 stores in the North.
Last week Marks & Spencer reduced prices by 12.5 per cent in its clothing and homeware ranges (but not food) at stores in the Republic. The company had been widely criticised for failing to pass on savings to customers following the steep decline in the value of sterling.
A spokeswoman said the Clonmel shop – which will incorporate a food hall and a cafe – would open at 11am today. Customers would be offered a complimentary glass of champagne and entertained by live music “to celebrate” the occasion.
