INTERNATIONAL retailer H&M is to open its eleventh Irish store at McDonagh Station shopping centre in Kilkenny this autumn. Like other leading multiples, it is availing of the favourable rental terms being offered on high streets and in shopping centres to expand its operation in the Republic.

Although precise rental terms have not been disclosed in the case of the Kilkenny centre, it is thought likely that H&M will be paying around 7 per cent of turnover in lieu of rent when it opens its new 1,114sq m (12,000sq ft) store on two levels .

H&M will be trading close to the newly-opened Courtyard Bar and Grill which is paying a base rent of €65,000 or 10 per cent of the turnover, whichever is the highest. The outlet is run by David Rouse, the former executive chef at Durrow Castle. Simon Plunkett of letting agent Douglas Newman Good Commercial Property said the H&M and Courtyard lettings would mean that almost 97 per cent of the retail space in the centre would now be occupied.