Retailer Primark has opened its 400th store in Sicily in Italy today.
The company now employs more than 70,000 people across its 400 stores spread across 14 countries
The retailer also has further expansion plans and intends over the next five years to open at least 130 new stores. This will bring its total store estate to 530 stores globally.
Founded by Arthur Ryan, the retailer opened its first single store in 1969 in Dublin.
Primark trades as Penneys in Ireland but became known as Primark everywhere else after a trademark issue meant Penneys could not be used outside of Ireland.
Last week Penneys said it will create 700 new jobs as part of a €250m capital investment and redevelopment programme.
The plan will see the company increase its total retail space in Ireland by 20% over the next decade.
The expansion will include a new store in The Square in Tallaght which will open in the autumn of next year, employing 300 people.
There will also be a €60m investment made in the redevelopment and extension of its Patrick Street store in Cork city while €20m will be injected into an extension at its Eyre Square outlet in Galway.
€75m will also be spent on a new 5550,000 sq ft distribution centre in Newbridge, Co Kildare which recently received planning permission and is due to open in early 2024.
