Anna-Marie Flynn
OVER 70 retail jobs are set to be created in Ballina. The employment boost was announced last week by Shaws Department Store, which will open its doors on Tone Street in late August.
Shaws is the only Irish-owned and family-run department store chain of its size in the country and the Ballina outlet will be the second store in Connacht, and the 17th nationally.
Announcing the jobs last week, Jonathan Shaw, Managing Director of the company, said: “We are delighted to announce that Shaws Department Stores are to open in Ballina. Our store will employ over 70 people. We are looking forward to providing a new shopping experience for the people of Ballina and surrounding area with the extensive offering of top brands and concessions that our company is renowned for.”
Ballina Chamber CEO, Sandra Cribben (pictured), welcomed the news. “We are delighted that Shaws are investing in our town. This is really positive news for Ballina, particularly in light of the negative employment statistics released last week. As only the second store in the province, it is a very good sign that such a high-profile company want to locate in the north Mayo capital and we wish Shaws all the best with their venture,” she said.
Town Mayor, Cllr Padraig Moore, echoed the words of welcome and said the move will rejuvenate the retail potential of the Tone Street area.
The 37,000 square foot store is based at the junction of Tone Street and Pound Street in an area previously known as ‘Geraghty’s corner’. Construction on the site began over a year ago to ensure retail space that is bright and modern.
The store will trade on Sundays and Bank Holidays as part of its seven-day week regime.
A wide selection of high-profile brands will be offered through menswear, womenswear, children’s, footwear, cosmetics and homewares. Concession partners have yet to be announced.
