Europe UK : 3, Ireland’s mobile media network, today announces plans to open up to twenty eight of its own stores across the country by the end of 2007. The “3Stores” will open in prime retail locations in shopping centres and High Streets, bringing mobile media stores to Ireland for the first time. The 3Store expansion will create over two hundred new jobs by the end of 2007 and will involve a €10 to €15 million investment in the Irish market.

3’s innovative, fun and stylish brand will be brought to life in the new 3Stores, setting 3 apart from the old networks on the High St. 3’s new mobile media stores are the first in Ireland and will bring the best in mobile entertainment to the mass market. Play pods and benches, entertainment bays, and even chill-out areas create a space for customers to enjoy 3’s products and services, whilst finding the right handsets and tariffs for them.

Robert Finnegan, Managing Director of 3 said: “We’re delighted to bring the first mobile media stores to Ireland. By 2007 we will have up to twenty eight 3Stores up and down the country, investing millions of euros in the market and creating over two hundred new jobs. As Irish consumers look for more sophisticated mobile services like music on the move and football highlights, 3 is the first to meet that demand on the High St. With consumers here spending more on their mobile than any other country in the EU – our stores are specifically designed for this mobile-savvy market.

Robert added: “In store, the old networks focus on promoting their brand not the customer experience – we’re creating an environment our customers will enjoy, whilst offering the services they want.”

Stuart Bruce, Head of Sales, 3 Ireland commented: “3 is a new and different brand offering the Irish consumer the latest handsets with great videos at fantastic value. Our stores are designed around people’s lifestyles and what they want from their mobile. Everyone leads a busy life so we’re making it as easy as possible for customers to get what they’re looking for. With eight stores opening before the end of the year, customers will be able to visit a 3Store for our great offers in time for Christmas.”

3’s flagship store will open in the heart of Dublin with the first 3Stores opening in Cork and Waterford in November 2006.

The 3Stores were designed by Hutchison Whampoa’s international brand group "WHAM", the architects of the 3Stores were RPA in the UK and the retail sites were acquired by Fergus Slattery & Associates.

3 recently announced that its products and services were on sale in over 270 outlets nationwide through Xtra-vision; Carphone Warehouse; 3G stores and independent outlets. The launch of 3Stores across the country will dramatically increase this distribution.

This Weeks 3G News By Photos
This Weeks 3G News