Fashion retailer Primark, known as Penneys in Ireland, is continuing its international expansion with a €40 million investment in its Portuguese stores.
The retailer plans to open four new stores in as many cities, as well as expanding its Colombo store, in Lisbon.
Primark will now grow to 14 stores across the European country, creating 500 jobs in the process.
The announced expansion, which will increase retail space by 30%, comes as Primark celebrates 15 years in Portugal.
Since opening its first store in the UBBO shopping centre in May 2009, Primark today has ten stores across the country.
As part of the investment, Primark will open new stores in Montijo, Guimarães, Viseu and Covilhā.
The new stores will be the first in the Portuguese network to feature self-service checkouts alongside typical cashier tills.
‘Excited To Keep Growing’
Speaking about the investment, the head of sales at Primark Portugal, Nelson Ribeiro, said, “Primark is continuing to grow in Portugal.
“Since opening our first store 15 years ago, we have built such a strong business here, with a huge base of loyal Primark customers.
“It makes us so proud how they have welcomed and returned to us again and again, as we have grown over the years.
“Primark is a retailer built entirely around our stores, so we know that a big part of our success is our committed retail colleagues, who have supported us every step of the way and have been our best ambassadors in helping Portugal fall in love with Primark.
“We are excited to keep growing, investing in more stores, creating even more jobs, and introducing even more Portuguese shoppers to our incredible style and value.”
The retailer’s investment in Portugal is part of its ambitious growth plans to expand across new and existing markets, with the aim of reaching 530 stores by 2026.
Last month, Primark entered its 17th market, opening its first store in Budapest, Hungary.
In Ireland, Penneys will be opening a new store in Bray, Co. Wicklow, this summer.
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