DSG to create 100 jobs in first phase of expansion over next 18 months

DSG — the company which operates the Currys and PC World electrical chain stores — is to create 100 jobs as part of the first phase of an ambitious expansion programme for its Irish operations.

The group will open an unspecified number of shops nationwide over the next 18 months, as part of its “renewal and transformation” programme which will also include store refurbishment work and a partial rebranding. No value has been put on the total investment being made.

The level of new shop openings will be dependent on the identification of available sites, something which is being undertaken and the full details of the new openings will be announced later in the year.

Meanwhile, the PC World branches in Galway and Limerick and the Currys store in Limerick will be totally refurbished, following the successful re-vamping of the Currys outlet in Galway last year. No jobs will be lost, or production disrupted during this work.

DSG operates 30 stores in Ireland across the Currys and PC World brands, after doing away with the Dixons brand and subsuming it into the Currys business. Interestingly, however, the new stores will go under both existing brands — introducing DSG’s “two brands in one” policy to Ireland for the first time.

DSG Retail Ireland managing director, Declan Ronayne said: “We’re a dynamic company and our focus is on the big picture. That, for us, is capitalising on the opportunity to provide Irish consumers with an appealing retail environment with the best and widest range of technology.”

“In a very tough environment, we’ve proved our retailing mettle by trading successfully,” he added.

The company’s “UK VAT Range” promotion, which has been running in the Republic for a number of months has helped sales here.