Mobile phone operator 3 has confirmed it is to open a new store in Westmeath this year, with the creation of up to eight jobs.
Following the mobile network’s announcement on Wednesday that it is to open 28 new stores nationwide, with the creation of 90 jobs, a spokesperson for 3 confirmed yesterday that one of the new stores will be in Westmeath.
While it is has not yet been confirmed that the new store will be located in the county town of Mullingar, a store has already been operating in Athlone Towncentre for two years. On average each 3 store employs five to eight people.
Other locations confirmed for new stores include Longford, Roscommon, Laois, Galway, and Cavan, as well as 11 other locations around the country. Further details on locations and the number of jobs that will be created will be announced by 3 in the coming weeks.
Of the 28 new stores, eight will be ‘own stores’ and 20 will be independently-owned operations under the 3 brand. The company already has 22 own stores and over 200 independent retailers across the country which serve its customer base of over 470,000 users.
Some €5 million is being invested by the company to increase its presence in the country. 3 saw 40 per cent growth in its customer base in 2009.
“Since entering the market in 2005, 3 has worked very closely with local independent retailers and we already have an existing presence in every county in Ireland. This is a sure sign that 3 is continuing to challenge the old networks by offering better value price plans and first-class customer service,” said 3's chief executive Robert Finnegan.
