Penneys in Rathfarnham is set to close after 28 years

Rathfarnham in Dublin has been dealt a blow with the news that Penneys store there will close next year.

The store, which has been in operation for the past 28 years, will shut its doors in February of 2020. It is one of 33 stores in operation in Rathfarnham Shopping Centre. Staff there were informed of the news last Friday, reports The Irish Sun. They will be offered roles at the Penneys stores in Liffey Valley, Dundrum or Nutgrove, the company said. The decision was made due to its "close proximity" to the stores in the Dundrum and Nutgrove shopping centres, according to a spokesperson, as well as the fact that the lease is due to expire. Rathfarnham shoppers will be "well-serviced" by other nearby outlets, they said.

"In recent years, Penneys has invested in enhancing its customer offering and experience in six Dublin stores with new shop-floor refurbishment and refits, new visual merchandising, fitting rooms, access to free Wifi, recharge areas and customer seating areas," the spokesperson added.

Reacting to the news, Dublin South West TD John Lahart said that he would do everything he could to find a new tenant for the 9,400 sq ft unit.

Very unfortunate news that Penneys in Rathfarnham is to close after 28years. Massive blow for the Rathfarnham Shopping Centre & surrounding area. Penneys is a huge draw to the shopping centre & I will be doing all I can to ensure that a new tenant is found for the premises ASAP. pic.twitter.com/WRNFGcbyAH

— John Lahart TD (@JohnLahart) October 16, 2019