Retailer Dealz to create 300 jobs

Discount retailer Dealz is continuing to aggressively expand into the retail market, planning 10 stores that will employ an extra 300 people.

Dealz opened their first Irish store in Sept 2011 and are aiming to have 20 stores up and running by March next year, employing 600 people in Ireland.

The company, which views itself as the Marks and Spencer of the discount retailers, was little known in Ireland until last year when it opened its first Irish shops in Blanchardstown and Portlaoise.

Dealz had aimed to open six shops by March but the retailer surpassed that target and are now operating nine outlets.

Dealz said yesterday that it is set to open an additional 10 stores by the end of its financial year, creating a minimum of 300 jobs.

Dealz senior business manager, Leonard Brassel, said the company had been able to expand very quickly as they had found landlords willing to offer competitive rates. Having well-located and attractive shops is one of Dealz’ objectives.

“The stores all have wide aisles and are well-lit,” said Mr Brassel. “We have spent about €2m fitting out stores in Ireland already and we plan to spend several million next year. We invest in our stores to make them pleasant.”

The key to Dealz’ success in Ireland is their ability to offer a range of 1,000 branded products at a price point of €1.49.

Dealz is backed by the British discount chain Poundland, which has a network of more than 400 outlets and an annual turnover of nearly €1bn.

“Scale is key, we’re a large retailer and we’ve built up a relationship with key brands who know that we respect their products.

“Packaging is another area, we will buy packaging that may be left over from last year,” said Mr Brassel explaining how Dealz secures products at low prices.

Mr Brassel said that Dealz’ parent company, Poundland, had been looking to expand outside of Britain for a number of years.

“The company were looking to expand outside of the UK for sometime,” he said. “Ireland has the same language and similar tastes, so it was an obvious choice.”

Dealz’ expansion plan will continue with the opening of Dealz’ 10th store on Pearse St in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, this week which will create up to 30 jobs.