40 new jobs for Derry after sportswear firm announces major outlet to open in the city centre this summer

THE sportswear brand O'Neills is to create 40 jobs through a city centre store in Derry. The Derry News revealed last month that the Irish sportswear firm was looking at opening up a new branch at the site of the former SuperValu store in Waterloo Place, which closed at the beginning of March. The new Derry store will measure 20,000 sq ft, with O'Neills now set to advertise for the the position of store manager for the outlet in the coming days. The new store, pictured above, is set to open in the summer. Commenting, Stephen Thompson from O'Neills, said: "Celebrating 100 years in the sportswear business, O'Neills is proud to announce that one of the country's most historic, vibrant and dynamic cities, Derry, is to be the location of our latest retail venture, creating around 40 new jobs." "The 20,000 sq ft store looks forward to welcoming eager customers, both new and old, to this latest destination. The store will breathe energy, heritage, authenticity and originality showcasing how far the brand has evolved during its 100-year history," he added. The new Derry store marks the latest expansion for the site after Derry City and Strabane District Council issued planning approval for a major new development at the O'Neill's site in Strabane last month.