by Ronan Casey
As exclusively revealed in Topic back in early July, a major Irish-owned discounter is to open at the former Shaws Drapery Store on Pearse Street, Mullingar with the creation of up to 30 new jobs.
EuroGiant, the retail division of the giant Eurogeneral group, this week began work fitting out a large section of the landmark store, located at the historic ‘Hibernian House’ in the heart of Mullingar.
Although the company remained tight-lipped as Topic went to press, we understand the new store is expected to open within the next month.
The EuroGeneral company already operate a Euro Giant store at the Harbour Place Shopping Centre in Mullingar, one of just under 80 they operate nationwide. The discount superstore is to take on the successful Dealz shop at Austin Friars Street and other discount stores on Pearse Street and Oliver Plunkett Store.
A source told Topic that there were several interested parties looking at the landmark Shaws Drapery store before negotiations opened with EuroGeneral in June, talks which have ultimately yielded a major retail name for main street Mullingar.
INTERNATIONAL REACH
Eurogeneral has made significant inroads internationally in recent years which has significantly strengthened its position back home. With more buying power as one of Ireland’s biggest wholesalers to discount and convenience stores, it has been expanding its retailing operation. Formerly trading as Euro2, they took on the name EuroGiant as they began a giant nationwide expansion. They currently employ over 600 staff.
The familiar EuroGiant royal blue livery and logo appeared at the Shaws shop on Monday, with shelves and other fittings bearing their name erected by Tuesday.
Eurogeneral wholesale was established in 2001 as other retailers were continually asking the company to supply them with their products, many of which are leading brand names bought in bulk and therefore sold for less. Often, big brand names are carried for a limited time and share shelf space with cheap and cheerful seasonal products.
Since 2001 the wholesale division has grown rapidly, and is now supplying over 400 other retail outlets within Ireland, as well as exporting to mainland Europe and beyond. The discount superstore sector has seen tremendous growth post-Celtic Tiger, and that growth shows no sign of abating as the country gets back on its feet economically.
A source told Topic that EuroGiant had looked at other large sites in the town, including the former Marks & Spencer unit at the Fair Green Shopping Centre, before settling on Shaws, which offers rear access and impressive town centre frontage.
The deal was understood to have been brokered by experienced Mullingar auctioneer James B. McDonnell of Property Partners.
GUINEYS ON HOLD
Meanwhile, the proposed Guineys Department Store for the former ESB offices on Castle Street, Mullingar is on hold following a request for more information from Westmeath County Council.
The Council have said they are not satisfied with the routing for delivery lorries through the car park, and also want more information on fire escape plans as well as title over the area from the back gate to the road and car park.
The further information letter went to Guineys on August 18th and the company have six months to reply to the Council’s request. The company would not comment to Topic on the planning information request.
