WATCH: Take a tour to see how Penneys Portlaoise has doubled in size
Penneys new extension open at last in Laois Shopping Centre
It's been a long wait for Laois Penneys customers, but their extended store in Laois Shopping Centre unexpectedly opened on Monday, December 8, and it had doubled in size.
The Laois extension by the multinational retail business is expected to double the number of jobs, by up to 90 positions.
Penneys in Portlaoise has expanded into empty units to the right of the existing shop. The renovation is still underway, with the original shop next to get a long awaited new look. The store will remain open with works taking place at night. A grand opening will take place in spring 2026.
The new wing includes a bank of self service checkouts, a big men's and shoe section, and lots of Christmas ornaments and decorations.
Some customers gave their reaction to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"I just came it, I had heard it was expanding but didn't think it would be so soon. It's lovely to have it now, I'm a very happy customer," one lady said.
"It's brilliant. There's a lot more space, but the changing rooms are a bit far away. I didn't use the self service tills, I prefer to deal with a real person," another customer said.
A spokesperson for Penneys gave the Leinster Express an update this month.
"We are working towards a full re-opening / relaunch event in Spring next year. We have the same Penneys range across all our stores, but there will be more options on offer as it will be double the size," the spokesperson said.