Dealz to open 10 stores, add 300 jobs

Discount retailer Dealz has announced the opening of 10 additional stores and the creation of 300 new jobs here.

The chain, which is owned by the British firm Poundland, said it is investing a further €4.5m here over the next 12 months to open the stores.

A spokeswoman said the new stores are in addition to three which have been opened in the last few weeks — Wexford, Dundalk, and a second store for Cork.

The 10 new stores do not include the new flagship Dublin store, which is to open in early October in the Ilac Shopping Centre and which will have more than 5,000 sq ft of selling space. That brings to 1,000 the number of jobs the company has created to date.

It also intended to take on 200 temporary staff over the Christmas period.

Yesterday marked the third anniversary of Dealz trading in Ireland. The spokeswoman said the firm had invested more than €56.3m into the economy over the course of that time and had welcomed 13m customers.

Chief executive Jim McCarthy said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our third year of trading in Ireland following the opening of our 34th Dealz store in Ireland last weekend in Wexford. We are fully dedicated to the Irish market and our exciting expansion plans will continue to create new job opportunities for Irish workers.”

Dealz sells all stock at €1.49, apart from special offers usually marked at six single selling points ranging from €2 to €10. It sells more than 4,000 products in 17 categories, including DIY, stationery, health and beauty products, and food and drink.