HOW MANY times has someone come back from the shops, picked up a Penneys’ item and wondered “How do they make it for this price?”

Penneys-owner Associated British Foods is set for a big jump in full-year earnings as shoppers snapped up bargains at its discount fashion chain and shrugged off the distractions of the Olympic Games and depressed economic growth in western Europe.

DOUGLAS Court Shopping Centre, which has sensationally been placed in receivership, is likely to be managed ’as-is’ for some time before being offered for sale — and its likely value is around €30m, according to property sources.

Fashion retailer Penneys has bought the Chapel House on Parnell Street in Dublin.

* Penneys’ exclusive ‘Limited Edition Collection’ arrives in store tomorrow. This signature five-piece range draws reference from the ’60s with baby doll dresses, Peter Pan collars and sheer blouses in polka dots and powder hues from €17 to €21. The boutique line will be available for a limited time only at Penneys Mary Street, Blanchardstown, Dundrum, O’Connell Street, Swords, Galway City, Newbridge, Wilton and Cork. Info: 01 2157202.

IKEA is on the hunt for locations for new stores in the Republic, raising hopes that hundreds of jobs could be created by the Swedish retail giant.

NEW security technology in credit and Laser cards should soon ease consumer worries in the wake of the Penneys duplicate charging episode, leading retailers said yesterday.