Triple vote of confidence in Galway’s retail sector

And the head of Galway Chamber of Commerce believes it possibly signals ‘turning the corner’ from the economy’s collapse.

Yesterday, the discount chain ‘Dealz’ created 25 jobs when it opened a new 25,000 square foot supermarket in the Galway Shopping Centre in the former Atlantic Homecare premises.

The supermarket – which is owned by Poundland in the UK – has a price point of €1.49 for every item, with specials for 99c of multiples for €1.49 and stocks a wide range of groceries and health and beauty items, as well as DVDs, electrical accessories, clothes and gardening items.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Dunnes Stores is planning multi-million euro refits for its premises in Terryland and Westside shopping centres.

Dozens of jobs are expected to be created during the renovations, which will see both supermarkets given a complete makeover.

However, in keeping with their media policy, the company refused to comment on the plans when contacted by this newspaper.

During the summer, rivals Tesco completed a €2m refit of their premises in the Galway Shopping Centre.

And in the coming weeks, furniture and homeware chain ‘Homestore & More’ will create between 15 and 20 new jobs when it opens a new 26,000 sq.ft. store beside Woodies in Wellpark Retail Park.

The chain already has thirteen stores in Dublin, Kerry, Wexford, Louth, Limerick, Cork and Carlow, employing more than 200 people.

 Michael Coyle, CEO of Galway Chamber said the new businesses represent new competition for existing retailers in Galway.

“But these are national brands, these companies don’t make these decisions lightly. Any time a national brand makes a decision to locate in Galway, it’s a major vote of confidence in the city.

“This might just signal that we’re turning the corner, and hopefully these retailers are confident of that, too,” said Mr Coyle.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.