Penneys launches first wheelchair-user mannequin
The retailer has unveiled the seated mannequin to represent manual wheelchair users in its stores.
It has been launched in collaboration with British broadcaster, disability advocate and wheelchair user, Sophie Morgan, and the mannequin is named 'Sophie' in her honour.
'The mannequin is a powerful symbol of visibility and representation and is another step in Penneys' ambition to be a more inclusive place to shop and work,' the firm, which trades as Primark outside of Ireland, explained.
Available in 22 flagship stores across nine countries, the mannequin will take centre stage in displays showcasing the firm's adaptive range as well as its main fashion ranges.
The launch is part of a broader effort by the firm to bring more diversity to its mannequin range and reflect a wider variety of body sizes in its stores.
Sophie Morgan views Penneys first wheelchair-user mannequin (Pic: Penneys)
'This is another important milestone in our ambition to make Primark a more accessible place to shop and work,' Ann-Marie Cregan, Trading Director at Primark, said.
'From introducing a wider range of mannequins to launching our adaptive clothing range earlier this year, we've worked hard to better represent the diverse communities who shop with us,' she added.
'Seeing the 'Sophie' mannequin in our stores is a proud moment and reflects the brilliant collaboration between our teams and Sophie.'
The journey to bring the mannequin to life spanned over a year and was led by Primark's visual merchandising team.
Ms Morgan played a central role in the design process, from mood boards and body measurements to reviewing 3D models and visiting the manufacturing site for final approvals.
"This project is incredibly close to my heart - it's been over 15 years in the making,' Ms Morgan said.
'To be able to go into a major high street retailer like Primark and see a mannequin that looks like me is deeply emotional,' she added.
"'Sophie' represents more than just a mannequin; she's a symbol of progress and visibility.
'Working with Primark to create her has been a dream; every detail, from her posture to the design of the wheelchair as a natural extension of the body has been carefully considered to reflect the real lives of wheelchair users.
"I can't wait to see how people respond to her.'
See More: Dublin, Mannequin, Penneys, Wheelchair
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Saoirse Hanley: The new Penneys app may change the way you shop – but there is a snag
The app is already top of the Irish shopping charts Penneys (or Primark, as it's known elsewhere) is a long-standing part of Irish culture: after all, the very first store opened on Dublin's Mary Street. It's in our DNA. It's distinct from other shops by virtue of price, certainly, but also because it has never moved its business online. Those who want to say 'thanks, I got it in Penneys' to someone who compliments their outfit get to do so with the smugness of someone who battled the masses to procure said fashion in-store.
Irish Examiner
18 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Waterfront offices of Donegan legal practice up for sale in Cobh for €430k
Investors, business owners, and homeowners are among those bidding on a €430,000 well-known former solicitor's office in Cobh, with hard-to-beat harbour views. No.1 Westbourne Place, part of a handsome Italianate terrace built in the 1850s by shipbuilder James Scott, is under offer from a diverse range of buyers, including those viewing it for commercial use; those interested in a mixed live/work space, and those who would like it as a home. No 1 is part of a handsome Italianate terrace The four-storey over-basement building has a long and distinguished history, starting out as residential quarters for Royal Navy officers when Cobh was an important naval base for the British. While a legal practice has operated out of the premises for close on 100 years, previous uses included a photographic studio and a doctor's surgery. The vendor, solicitor Sally Donegan, opened her own legal practice in the building in 1999, but shut up shop last November, having amalgamated with Don Ryan & Co Solicitors in nearby landmark building, Carrig House. Ms Donegan, a fifth-generation lawyer, recalls stories of her grandfather Henry E Donegan rowing to the practice in Cobh, which faces directly onto the magnificent esplanade, designed by prominent English architect Decimus Burton in the mid-1800s. Ms Donegan's great-grandfather, solicitor Henry PF Donegan, had an office on the South Mall in Cork City, while No.1 Westbourne Place was the branch office. Her great-great-grandfather, Daniel Valentine Donegan, was also a solicitor on South Mall. No.1 Westbourne Place has operated as a mix of commercial and residential for a number of years. Ms Donegan ran her practice out of the ground and first floor, while the top two floors were given over to a self-contained three-bed apartment, with living room, kitchen and shower room on one floor, and bedrooms overhead. Century-old safes used by a succession of lawyers are still in the office All of the front rooms are south facing with splendid harbour views. The apartment operated successfully as a rental. Rooms are bright, spacious, and generously proportioned. Ms Donegan said the property has been 'witness to many events, from the final departure of the ill-fated Titanic through to the myriad of cruise liners that today bring the town to life from spring through to autumn'. 'The front windows were prime viewing for the presidential visit during the Titanic commemorations which took place on the promenade across the road [in 2012],' she added, while the building offers 'front-row seats'.to the annual regatta fireworks display. No.1 Westbourne Place, a 275sq m (2,960sq ft) building, has original architectural features throughout, with the exception of some PVC windows, installed before the building was listed. Original double doors at No 1 It's referenced in architectural heritage database Buildings of Ireland as 'an attractive composition' where render details and ornate external cast iron railings have been retained. It adjoins historic Casement Square and is part of the terrace that houses the iconic Commodore Hotel. Selling the distinctive property is Liz Hannon of McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers and she said interest is strong, with a couple of offers in, from both investors and homeowners. 'It's a lovely property to show and it is going well. The views are fabulous. The cruise liners pass by the windows as they come in to berth and as they leave, and you are looking straight across at the promenade and the harbour,' said Ms Hannon. Esplanade designed by Decimus Burton The premises includes a basement and an attic, both used for storage, but with potential to make more of under new owners. The location is excellent, in Cobh town centre, just minutes from the railway station. No.1 comes up for sale as a good deal of commercial property — including a number of pubs — changes hands in Cobh. Just last month, plans were revealed for the transformation of a former Bank of Ireland premises at 18 Casement Square, two doors down from No.1 Westbourne Place. The building, vacant since the bank closed in 2021, has been cleared for conversion to a cafe and boutique. Former Bank of Ireland, Cobh, has been cleared for conversion to a café and retail space The developers are Harbour Roots Ltd, a joint venture between Garry and Anne Wilson, owners of restored Belvelly Castle, and business partner Jonathan Lee. DETAILS: Liz Hannon, McCarthy & McGrath Auctioneers E: liz@ T: 0214811494.
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
B&M reduces winter garden buy – it'll protect your plants in cold weather & helps them grow bigger & stronger for spring
SUMMER may still be in full swing but if you're already planning your winter garden, B&M has just the thing. This bargain buy can help to protect your plants in cold temperatures, giving you flourishing flower beds by spring. Advertisement 2 The Poly Cover Grow Tunnel is currently available for just £5 from B&M Credit: B&M Whether you're a green-fingered veteran or new to the gardening scene, you can't go wrong with this item ahead of the winter months. You can shield your budding blooms from hardy frosts and frigid temperatures with this handy product. And if that's not reason enough to purchase, B&M has recently slashed the price too. Shoppers can now pick up a Poly Cover Grow Tunnel for just £5 from the British retailer. Advertisement Read More On Gardening Buys OUTDOOR UPGRADE B&M garden buy slashed in sale - it brightens homes & enhances curb appeal Previously marked at £8, bargain hunters can save a whopping 37% on this cover. You can choose between the classic poly cover or a net cover, for plants that require a little more air circulation. Both versions measure three metres in length. According to the product description, this cover "creates a warm and humid environment for strong plant growth". Advertisement This makes the item "ideal for greenhouses or vegetable plots". And shielding your plants from harsh weather conditions isn't the only benefit of this cover. 'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do' It can also be used to "keep summer pests in check, protecting from birds and bugs". So it may even be worth picking up right now to add to your garden for the remainder of the summer. Advertisement And since B&M has already warned shoppers of low stocks, the sooner you act, the better. The plant cover is also easy to access by lift up side openings and pull cords. A galvanised wire frame creates a robust sturdy design, making it ideal for windy conditions. Don't miss out... Visit The Sun's shopping home and garden hub for more news, deals and tips. For more discounts and recommendations from the Sun Shopping team, sign up to our newsletter and join the WhatsApp group. More on gardening One homeowner turned their garden into a Bridgerton paradise with a charity shop find. Advertisement B&M has also slashed the price of its viral rattan sofa in a huge garden sale. Plus, the £1 Tesco buy that can protect your plants in the rainy weather. And a £3 B&M ornament adds splash of colour to eyesore walls and makes your garden look bigger. A B&M garden buy slashed in summer sale, it will brighten the outside of your home and enhance curb appeal. Advertisement
