Penneys arrival a ‘major win’

After years of speculation, hope and anticipation, the news that many have been waiting for landed last week: Penneys is officially coming to Cavan Town.

It’s a move widely hailed for its potential to reshape the local commercial and retail landscape, reinvigorate Main Street, and also restore Cavan’s status as a major regional shopping destination.

The iconic retailer will take over the existing Tesco premises on Main Street, once Tesco completes its move to a new, purpose-built store at Tullacmongan Lower.

When the doors open - currently pencilled in for Spring 2028 - the Cavan outlet will become Penneys’ 39th store in the Republic of Ireland. Confirming the move, Fintan Costello, Head of Penneys in Ireland and Northern Ireland, said the company is “thrilled to finally confirm” plans that have been discussed locally for more than a decade.

The development forms part of Primark’s wider commitment to invest more than €250M in Ireland over a 10-year period, which also includes the development, relocation and refurbishment of several existing stores - including Portlaoise, Dooradoyle in Limerick city and Ennis in County Clare later this year.

“We know local customers have been asking us for a store here for many years, so it’s incredibly exciting to finally make it happen,” said Mr Costello.

“It’s going to take some time but bear with us, we’re really looking forward to bringing our amazing range of great value clothing and accessories to our Cavan customers and supporting the local economy. We’ll be sharing more details in the months ahead, and we can’t wait to open our doors to the people of Cavan.”

Tesco relocation

Tesco meanwhile has confirmed that local building contractors will lead the construction phase, ensuring its multi-million-euro investment directly supports the local economy and sustains employment for skilled workers in the region.

Once operational, the new 35,000-square-foot Tesco store will offer a modern, sustainable shopping experience, including Click+Collect services, a Grocery Home Shopping Hub, filling station and drive-thru.

Tesco currently employs more than 200 colleagues across its Cavan Town, Bailieborough and Virginia stores and says it has been a “proud” part of the local community for more than two decades, supporting local producers and community initiatives since acquiring the Quinnsworth brand in 1997.

The project proceeds after Friends of Killymooney Lough failed to overturn the outcome of a High Court judicial review that upheld An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision to grant planning permission through Cavan County Council.

‘Major win’

Reaction locally has been overwhelmingly positive. County Councillor and Chair of Cavan Chamber, Philip Brady, described the Penneys announcement as a landmark moment for the town.

“Any new business coming into Cavan town is to be welcomed - especially when it’s locating right on Main Street rather than in an out-of-town business parks,” he said.

“A retailer like Penneys is designed to draw people from far and wide, so it really can only be a positive development.”

Cllr Brady believes the move could act as a catalyst, encouraging other major retailers to consider Cavan as a viable and attractive location.

He also suggested it may help reverse the long-standing trend of shoppers travelling across the border.

“It’s taken a long time, but it’s very welcome,” he said.

“It will be invaluable to have that Main Street space occupied rather than left empty once Tesco relocates.

To secure a retailer as significant as Penneys is a major win for Cavan.”

‘Rising tide’

That sentiment is echoed by Declan Woods of Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, who also believes Penneys could mark a turning point for the town’s commercial fortunes.

“There’s an old adage that a rising tide lifts all boats,” he told the Celt.

“For years, Cavan Town has been recognised as having strong commercial potential, but one of the criticisms was the concentration of professional services along Main Street rather than retail.”

At present there are close to a dozen empty retail spaces in the centre of Cavan Town, including several prominent, such as the former Ulster Bank building.

But according to Mr Woods, that dynamic is starting to change.

Population growth has brought Cavan closer to the “sweet spot” that national retailers look for when choosing new locations he says, making the timing of Penneys’ arrival particularly significant.

“It would drive footfall in a very substantial way and attract shoppers who currently travel to places like Navan,” the local auctioneer considers. “Penneys is universally popular across all demographics.

“If Penneys delivers what it and brings more people into the town, others will follow... from everything I can see at present, Penneys represents a clear and positive opportunity for Cavan.”