THE growing popularity of electronic cigarettes is set to spark the creation of 75 new jobs as retailer Kix which specialises in the products opens 20 new outlets.
The retailer, owned by Rossport Group, will open the shops across the north over the next 18 months.
The stores will offer offers consumers a wide variety of products including electronic pipes, cigars, cigarettes and what it describes as "some more futuristic items".
The new roles will be a mixture of in-store customer service advisers and head office roles in logistics, purchasing, accounts and administration.
Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices, which contain a nicotine-based vaping liquid and are an alternative to the traditional method of smoking.
Customers can choose the strength of the liquid depending on the number of cigarettes they smoke per day.
Brian Geraghty from Rossport said: "Kix has seen a significant increase in demand for electronic cigarette and vaping products since the start of 2013.
"There are currently 12 Kix stores across Northern Ireland and a further 20 stores are to open in the next 18 months. The success of our brand is down to the dedication of our staff, and the level of service they provide to loyal customers."
"Through the opening of additional standalone stores, the Kix brand will become a market leader on Northern Ireland high streets.
"Due to the high demand for our product range, the Rossport Group will also provide investment and employment across the island of Ireland."
There are already stores in Belfast, Derry Coleraine, Bangor, Dungannon and Lisburn.
Last month, Rossport Group announced a €£5.2 million investment in a pharmaceutical clean-room production facility in Connemara, which is due to go into production in May.
The facility saw the creation of 138 highly-skilled posts as production was brought to Ireland from China.
The north lost out on those jobs because investors couldn't source a suitable "clean room" assembly plant within its planned time frame.
Overall, Rossport plans to triple its payroll from 80 to 265 by the end of 2015.
* JOBS: Kix fan Gayle Williamson helps announce the electronic cigarette retailer is to create 75 jobs and open 20 stores across the north