31 May 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork Business News
Regatta Great Outdoors, the outdoor clothing company, has announced the creation of 100 new jobs in Ireland with the opening of several new stores nationwide including key locations in Galway, Dublin and Waterford. This expansion sees Regatta Great Outdoors set to become a prominent household name across Ireland as the company has reported multi-million turnovers in recent years.
Regatta is a British brand based in Manchester and created in 1981. The Irish company of ‘Regatta Great Outdoors Ireland Limited’ was founded in 2013 and has a registered address at Westside Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork. Prior to that Cork based Brian Fox was appointed as a sales representative for the brand and sold to buyers from his own garage in his own home.
Regatta opened their first concession in Shaws of Wexford in 2004, expanding to 18 concession stores by 2009 and finally opening the first standalone store in Limerick in 2011. Proving very successful for the brand, they now have eleven standalone stores across the country with seven more openings planned this year.
Director, Brian Fox, commenting on the announcement says “…There is a strong market for what we offer in Ireland, which is both fashion and technical outdoor wear as well as advanced footwear and camping ranges. We are delighted to see our business growing following some turbulent years in Ireland as we are creating new jobs in local areas. We look forward to continued growth and success in the coming years”.
Government reaction
Welcoming the initiative by Regatta Great Outdoors, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said “This is great news from a dynamic company which is going from strength to strength and creating 100 new jobs. I am impressed that most of the expanded range of outlets are in regional locations, serving towns around the country. This is really welcome and supports the Government’s efforts to drive Regional Development and job creation in locations away from the main cities. A vibrant retail sector is key to creating vibrant towns and communities across the country and helps to make a place attractive to work in, socialise in and live in. I look forward to this company’s on-going success”.
About Regatta
• Regatta has benefited from over 80 years and three generations of experience in the manufacture of high quality waterproofs.
• Regatta exports to over 55 countries worldwide.
• Standalone stores: Limerick, Athlone, Swords, Tralee, Tallaght, Northside SC, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Wexford, Cork and opening soon in Waterford and Galway.
• Regatta currently has concessions in the following: Elvery Sports in Fonthill Retail Park, Dundrum Town Centre, Sligo, Letterkenny, Arklow and Clonmel; Shaws in Dungarvan, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Drogheda; Paco in Killarney, Wilton, Cavan, Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Ennis and Mullingar.
