10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Discount pharmacy retailer Chemist Warehouse opens first Wicklow store
This milestone opening was part of the brand's 2025 expansion strategy, which includes plans for six additional store launches across Ireland by year-end.
The company said the 6,500 square feet outlet in the Bray Central shopping centre 'signifies a deeper commitment to Irish communities, healthcare access, and local economic growth'.
The new opening also means 20 new jobs are being created in Bray, including three full-time pharmacist roles.
Since entering the Irish market in 2020, the company has delivered more than 500 jobs nationwide, establishing a strong community-focused presence in locations such as Dublin, Cork, Meath, Carlow, and Louth.
Chemist Warehouse opened its first store in Australia 25 years ago.
Evan Demangos, IT store developments team leader at the Australian retailer, took to social media to discuss the IT challenges around the opening of a new store in Ireland.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "What does it take to open a store 17,000 km away, with no boots on the ground and a ten-hour time difference? That was the challenge for our latest international store Chemist Warehouse Bray – our 14th store in Ireland.
"While fitout and operations are handled locally, all IT delivery was coordinated remotely from Australia. From planning to day one trade, our model holds strong.
"Here's what that looks like: infrastructure roll-out delivered with trusted local vendors. All front of house and backend tech remotely provisioned and tested. Internet, payments and telephone services organised offshore. Key tech staged and shipped from Australia. Everything live and operational by go live.
"It works because of established processes, experienced coordination and regional partners like KFP Total IT Solutions and RFC Security Group.'
