WH Smith is to create 3,000 jobs and open 120 new stores across the UK, and move into Northern Ireland for the first time.
The group currently employs more than 20,100 people. The expansion plan comes at an uncertain time for many retailers, with thousands of jobs cut around the world since the US terror attacks on September 11th.
But WH Smith, which currently has 539 high street shops and 189 stores at railway stations and airports, says it's confident the move will be a success.
"The market research is positive, and we are ready to move forward to offer our customers an enhanced shopping experience and more choice," a spokeswoman said.
Most of the new stores will be in high street locations, but the company will also be looking to build on sales of "shopping experiences" - where customers can buy gifts such as rides in racing cars or trips in helicopters.
The new jobs will be both full-time and part-time positions, and will include store managers, assistant managers, supervisors and cashiers.
PA