A Co. Down retail centre has announced the creation of 72 new full and part-time jobs.
Thirty-five of the jobs at The Outlet Village Banbridge are the result of a new Next Clearance store, due to open early this month.
Local contractors have also been employed to fit out the large mezzanine unit to be occupied by the retailer. The remainder of the jobs have come from existing stores recruiting staff ahead of the busy Christmas and new-year period.
Among these are other recent arrivals – Mamas -amp; Papas, Double Two and Brand Centre – who also joined the tenant list this year.
Chris Nelmes, centre manager of The Outlet, said: “The opening of Next Clearance at the scheme is a real boost to both our retailers and shoppers in the area.
“The brand will complement our existing tenants and the sheer scale of the unit will attract shoppers from this area and beyond.”
It will join other well-known brands at the centre such as Gap Outlet, M-amp;S Outlet, the Nike Factory Store, Jaeger, Timberland and Armani Collections.
Mr Nelmes said existing tenants welcomed the arrival of the new store, which will will be the largest Next Clearance unit in Ireland.
He added: “Our retailers are excited by the arrival of Next Clearance.
“They are clearly anticipating it will act as a key footfall driver to The Outlet, alongside our other established anchor tenants.”