New look Portlaoise Penneys to open next week
The first phase of a major expansion at Penneys Portlaoise will be unveiled next week. Photo: Laois Shopping Centre
THE new look Penneys store in Portlaoise will be unveiled next week, following completion of the first phase of a major expansion.
The retail giant has expanded into two neighbouring vacant units at Laois Shopping Centre, doubling the size of the existing store.
The extended section is about to open in time for the Christmas rush, while redevelopment will get underway on the existing store in the new year. A full relaunch is planned for Spring 2026, when the entire works are completed.
A Penneys spokesperson confirmed that the extended section will open to customers during the week starting Monday 15 December, with new branded signage.
Work on the expansion began in September, after the store got planning permission to extend into two neighbouring empty units, doubling the floor size from 1,456m² to about 2,874m². When the project is completed, the number of staff is expected to double.
The small Portlaoise store came under constant criticism from shoppers for its limited stock and cramped layout, particularly in comparison to large branches in neighbouring counties such as Kilkenny and Carlow.
The expansion includes reconfiguration of the sales floor and upgrading of staff facilities such as offices, changing rooms, toilets and canteen.
Laois Shopping Centre said on Thursday: ‘Bolder. Bigger. Better. Exciting changes are happening at Penneys, as we update our look for the new year. Please bear with us but don’t worry, the store will remain open this Christmas for all your festive bits.’
