M&S to double Irish stores

Marks & Spencer is understood to be planning to expand its Irish stores by 50% over the next two years.

Some of the shops will be based around the south-east of the country — with Waterford and Kilkenny likely destinations. Places like Clonmel and Limerick are believed also to be in M&S’ sights. The chain opened its 17th Irish store in Athlone last week. It is looking to increase its Irish revenues from e1 billion in its this financial year to e1.6bn within three years. It also wants to have 27 shop’s in the next two years.