M&S opens new £2.6m store in Omagh

Marks & Spencer today announced its intention to open a new £2.6m (€3.82m) store in Omagh, generating 50 new jobs for the local economy.

The 10,000 sq ft store, which will be Marks & Spencer's ninth in Northern Ireland, will be in the Showgrounds Retail Park in Omagh and is scheduled to open this summer.

The development is in addition to a £35m (€51.52m) investment programme by Marks & Spencer in Northern Ireland over the past 18 months, including an expansion programme at the Bangor store and renewal programmes at the Marks & Spencer Foyleside, Newry and Newtownbreda stores.

The retailer also recently announced its intention to open the first Marks & Spencer Outlet store in Northern Ireland at Junction One outlet shopping centre in Antrim in Spring 2004, as well as a major expansion programme at its Ballymena store in Fairhill Shopping Centre.

Neil Hyslop, Divisional Executive for Marks & Spencer Ireland said: "The acquisition demonstrates our continuing commitment to trading in Northern Ireland. Marks & Spencer is also investing €60m in the Republic of Ireland, incorporating new stores at Blanchardstown and Dundrum."