US clothing chain to create 250 jobs

UP to 250 new jobs are expected to be created with the opening of a US clothing chain store next month.

The arrival of Forever 21 in Dublin will be seen as a vote of confidence in the city’s retail market.

The US fashion retail giant has 500 stores worldwide but this will be among its first in Europe.

In the heart of the city at the Jervis Street shopping centre, the 70,000 sq ft store will offer the latest fashion trends for women and men.

The shopping centre yesterday confirmed the store would open next month, after reports that up to 250 jobs are set to be created at the outlet.

The company’s first store traded as Fashion 21 in Los Angeles in 1984.

The group is also said to be opening outlets in London, Paris, Milan, Munich and Madrid.

Forever 21 is expected to compete strongly with established shops in the Jervis Street area, including Zara and H&M.

The chain is taking over a retail space formerly occupied by Arnotts at the site.

The shop is expected to be a massive pull to the Henry Street shopping area.

The chain is renowned for its so-called ‘fast fashion’ in which it delivers cheap prices.

The fashion chain has also been billed as ‘the US answer’ to Topshop.

Its flagship store is in Times Square in New York and occupies 90,000 sq m.

The expected jobs come as fellow retailers Next and New Look also open new stores in the Jervis Street shopping centre.