Irish franchise of Howards Storage World is due to open this May in a state-of-the-art 4,000sqft flagship store in the Carrickmines Retail Park, Dublin 18, (Exit 15 on the M50). One of Australia's fastest growing franchises, there are over 70 Howards stores around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the Philippines. A specialist retailer of innovative storage solutions for the home and office, the master franchise for Ireland has been acquired by Olive Donovan, who plans investment of €12 million over the next 5 years in setting up franchise stores in key locations around Ireland resulting in employment of over 120 staff . Howards Storage World is a retail chain, which started out in Sydney, Australia in 1998 and is now one of the fastest growing specialist shops on the international stage.

Storage is big business and the need to de-clutter is universal. Howards Storage World has dramatically grown its world-wide retail trade by over 45% in the last three years and generated over AU$ 80million in revenues in 2006 / 2007 with predicated turnover of over AU$100 million for 2007 / 2008. For the Irish franchise element, costs will include an initial franchisee fee to acquire the franchise, along with the capital cost of setting up a store including shop fit out and stock - this can range in price between €350,000 to €600,000 depending on size and location. Commenting on Howards Storage World Ireland, Managing Director, Olive Donovan said, ‘Howards Storage World is a unique specialist retailer with a formula and product range that appeals to every one, young and old. Whether you have acquired your first home, are now down-sizing, or if you are simply trying to create order in your home, Howards Storage World has the solution. The heart of the brands' appeal is the promise of reducing clutter in everyday life.

The need to ‘find a place for everything' drives the Howards Storage World concept, offering a range of storage solutions for tidying up, sorting out and getting organised!' Malcolm Brighton, managing director of the Irish Habitat franchise and chairman of Howards Storage World Ireland, added, ‘We plan to open over 16 outlets in Ireland over the next 4 years and are delighted to be opening our first store in Carrickmines Retail Park in May. As a specialist retailer, Howards Storage World offers something unique.' ‘We believe the Irish consumer will love our stores. There is currently no ‘one stop shop' specialising in home and office storage solutions to the level we provide. Storage and de-cluttering is a universal need and judging by our success in all other countries, we are excited to see our brand offering arrive in Ireland' says Dirk Spence, CEO of Howards Storage World International, Australia.

Howards Storage World believes the need to be organised is key and the new Irish branch is no different. In store, the Irish consumer will be invited to select from a choice of quality and innovative products to help save space and, ultimately, save time! Howards Storage World will offer all forms of space saving and organisational products, providing storage solutions for the home and office. The wide range of products, which include wire baskets, Elfa storage systems, waist bins, wine racks, plastic containers of all shapes and sizes.