Marks and Spencer seek to open store in Kerry
Thursday February 01 2007
IT has been rumoured for over a year but speculation about Marks and Spencer plans to open a Tralee outlet ended this month after the company applied for permission to open a branch in the town.
The multinational shopping giant has applied to Tralee Town Council for planning permission to open a large new outlet in Manor West Retail Park. If the application is successful the new outlet can be expected to attract thousands of new shoppers to Tralee.
Tralee Town Council will decide within the next two months whether it will allow the company open the planned branch. Marks and Spencer submitted the planning application to Tralee Town Council on January 19.
The new store is to be an amalgamation of three existing units in Manor West and the company is also seeking permission to construct a two storey, 28-feet high extension to the building. Marks and Spencer also plans to sell alcohol in the convenience section of the store.
Marks and Spencer is one of Europe's most successful retailers and has 11 stores in the Republic. A company spokesperson declined to comment on the company’s plans until a decision is reached on planning permission. If permission is granted work on the store could proceed quickly and the outlet could be up and running within months.
If the store opens it will be the first Mark and Spencer’s outlet outside a major city.
Derek Rusk, Manager of Manor West Retail Park, said the centre is delighted that Marks and Spencer’s has lodged a planning application.
“I imagine it will draw a lot of people to Tralee. There are thousands all over the county who drive to Cork once or twice a fortnight to shop at Marks and Spencer’s and now they will be coming to Tralee,” he said.
“It is testament to the quality of retailers now present in Tralee — nearly every major retailer is represented in the town. The arrival of Marks and Spencer will be a great boon for business,” Mr Rusk said.
“It’s worth noting that if permission is granted Tralee will have a Marks and Spencers before Limerick city, obviously the company is impressed with Manor West and the Tralee market,” he added.
