The pet retailer Maxi Zoo has announced plans to open 10 new stores around Ireland by 2022.
This will see its employee numbers grow from 180 to 250, and will bring the total number of Maxi Zoo Ireland pet stores to 30.
The retailer, which is part of the Fressnapf Group, has over 1,500 shops across Europe.
The company says the announcement shows "strong confidence in the pet industry", as well as the Irish retail sector.
The first of the new stores is due to open this September - at Omni Retail Park in Santry, north Dublin.
Ciarán O'Neill, managing director of Maxi Zoo Ireland, says: "At Maxi Zoo, we believe in the power of bricks and mortar retail.
"Our focus is to engage with our customers on a one to one basis in our stores, rather than to push customers online and this has proven a great success for us."
"With the announcement of the 10 new stores, we are delighted that we will be able to deliver our expertise to even more pet owners in Ireland - by opening stores in new communities and spreading our reach even wider."
He adds: "The pet business is booming and is a great industry to work in if like us, you have a passion for all things animals and are looking for a varied and fulfilling career with plenty of growth opportunities."
