A further employment boost for the local economy, Home Store + More will open its maiden Westmeath branch at the Arcadia Retail Park in Athlone, it has been confirmed.
Aiming to create 40 new roles, the Irish owned homeware retailer has signed a long-term lease for the 21,000 square foot premises previously occupied by the Carpetright and Laura Ashley stores.
Work on the new store has formally commenced with the expectation of Home Store + More opening for business in the coming months.
Following the successful opening of JYSK, the Scandinavian furniture and furnishings chain, in August, Home Store + More has become the second big-name retailer to come to Arcadia in 2022.
Welcoming the announcement, Fiachra McLoughlin, Director, Arcadia Retail Park, stated that he was delighted to secure such a prominent national retailer their retail scheme.
“I hope and expect them to draw customers from all around the Midlands and from the west of Ireland,” Mr McLoughlin asserted.
His thoughts were echoed by Katie Gleeson, Marketing Manager, who noted that Home Store + More were “very well regarded retailers”.
“They have an impressive marketing engine behind them including seasonal offers and their famous slogan ‘when they’re gone, they’re gone’. They are very well regarded retailers,” Ms Gleeson added.
Newly appointed Facilities Manager, Morgan Fagg, stated that works on the store were already “progressing well”.
“Fit out works have commenced and seem to be progressing well. We are not in a position to confirm exact opening times yet but look forward to confirming details as soon as we have confirmed with Home Store + More,” Mr Fagg remarked.
Athlone councillor, Frankie Keena, welcomed the jobs boost for the locality.
“Despite the growth of online shopping, physical stores are still an important part of the local economy, this announcement being another strong vote of confidence in Athlone. This major retail store will definitely attract shoppers from throughout the Midlands to our town.
“I would like to commend the Arcadia directors and management for all of their work in making this park a must-visit shopping destination, and I wish them the very best with their future plans,” Cllr Keena commented.
Founded in 2004, with the opening of its first branch in Tallaght, the Home Store + More business has grown to employ over 830 staff across its 24 stores in Ireland and the UK.
