The New York-based fashion retail group, Aeropostale plans to open ten new stores across Ireland over the next five years.

The group, which services the teenage and twenty-something markets, currently operates more than 800 stores across the US and Canada and opened its first outlet in Western Europe at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre last week.

The Irish stores will be rolled-out through a licensing agreement with Shuz 4 U international, the company behind Skechers Retail Stores here.

Julian R. Geiger, Chief Executive Officer of Aeropostale, Inc said: "By partnering with such a strong and established licensee, we are confident that the recognition and popularity of the Aeropostale brand will continue to grow across Europe."

Aeropostale, which plans to open its next store in Cork, says its network of ten outlets will employ 300 people here in time.