Big investment by fashion retailer in Castlebar is set to create 40 new jobs
Carraig Donn, the Westport based retailer of fashion, jewellery and giftware, have today confirmed plans to open a new retail outlet and warehouse in Castlebar.
The company, which currently operates 40 outlets across Ireland, plan to open their latest store at Hopkins Road in the centre of the town next month and to establish a new 30,000 sq. ft logistics and warehousing centre at Moneen, Castlebar, to service the growing demands of their online operations.
The move by the Mayo retailer will create 40 jobs over a two-year period.
Commenting on the announcement, managing director of Carraig Donn, Pat Hughes, said: “We are delighted to facilitate further job creation in Mayo because of the continued development of our retail business.
"This expansion is required to service the logistical demands of carraigdonn.com, in line with the significant growth of our ecommerce operations over the last number of years.
“The new warehouse will also serve as the primary logistics centre for our nationwide network of stores. It is envisaged that 20 jobs will be created in Castlebar this year and a further 20 roles will be added in 2020.”
Referencing their new retail space at Hopkins Road, Mr. Hughes, added: “We are thrilled to be opening a second outlet in Mayo to complement our existing store at Bridge Street, Westport.
"We have established a strong brand identity and customer base within the county over the last 54 years of trading.
The chief executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, welcomed the news as good for Mayo.
He stated: “Mayo County Council are delighted to have been able to support this expansion and investment which is a significant vote of confidence in our county and will create new jobs and generate real returns into the local economy.
"Carraig Donn has been a valued employer in Westport for more than 50 years and this expansion into Castlebar is very real and positive indicator for the future of the Westport – Castlebar Cluster as the two towns move ever closer together in terms of economic activity.”
Welcoming the announcement, the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Brendan Mulroy, said; “This is a very positive step forward for an indigenous Mayo enterprise. It is great to see Carraig Donn continue to grow and it will add to the attractiveness of Castlebar as a regional retail centre.”
John Magee, head of Mayo rnterprise, added: “This is great news for Castlebar and indeed for County Mayo.
"The creation of forty new jobs and the investment in two premises in Castlebar by Carraig Donn reinforces the message which we continuously promote; that Mayo is a very positive and productive location for enterprise and for investment.”
After opening two new stores in Cork and in Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin, over the last 14 months, this latest investment in Castlebar will bring the total number of Carraig Donn outlets to 41.