Avoca to create 80 jobs with new store in Co Meath

Avoca is to create 80 new jobs with the opening of a new store in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

The company, which was acquired by the US catering group Aramark last November for €60 million, said it intends to invest more than €3 million in the 35,000 sq ft store. The store will be situated on a site that was formerly home to Plantagen Garden Centre.

Avoca, which currently operates cafes and luxury goods retail stores from 11 locations in Ireland, was previously owned by the family of former solicitor Donald Pratt, who founded the group as a textiles operation in the 1970s. It employs over 800 people currently.

Property consultants Savills were agents on the Dunboyne property, which went on the market with a guide price of €3.75 million.

"This is our 12th store and our largest and most ambitious to date. We're investing more than €3 million to create a gorgeous experience for our customers and the fit out will be to the highest standards. The location is superb and will attract consumers from west Dublin, Meath, Kildare and beyond, looking to enjoy the Avoca experience," said Simon Pratt, the group's managing director,.

Aramark has signalled its intent to finance an aggressive expansion of the Avoca brand in Ireland, with plans to add at least five new stores here over the next two years. It is also considering expanding into the UK and the US.