Iceland selects sites for initial expansion
The Iceland supermarket chain expects to open 40 outlets in the Republic of Ireland by 2014 and is now thought to have identified suitable sites nationwide
Print12 September 2011
Discount supermarket chain Iceland is understood to have identified several potential sites suitable for the company’s initial phase of expansion, in locations including Clonmel, Athlone, Cork, Waterford and Carlow.
The Dublin-based AIM retail group – which owns the master franchise in Ireland for the UK retail business – said it expects to spend between €35m and €50m opening 40 Iceland outlets here by 2014.
The company which plans to create 1,000 jobs, said it has been seeking sites beside existing multiples or convenience stores in order to capitalise on the Iceland model.
By late 2010 AIM already had four Iceland outlets in Ireland – all of them in Dublin.
AIM chief executive Tom Keogh said earlier this year that it was possible the 40 planned stores could be open in four years.
He told ShelfLife in February: “Forty stores won’t be an issue. What we won’t do is we won’t do it for vanity. It will be done purely for commercial reasons and it will be the right decision, the right location, the right store before opening anything. Our plan is 40 but it may happen in a quicker time frame than four years.”
Among the other locations that have been earmarked for outlets are Ashbourne, Co Meath, and Coolock in Dublin.
AIM also operates stores under the Homeware brand that sell furnishings and electrical goods, as well as a chain of discount €2 shops, and the company is also planning an ambitious expansion of these two brands.
Related Articles
Rudimental to headline Rockshore Après Sea →
Glanbia’s performance ‘in line with expectations’ in first quarter →
Visitors meet Dunnes Stores celebrity brand partners at Ideal Homes Show →
Fans 0
Followers