NEWRY-based online rug retailer Kukoon has opened a new distribution centre in Liverpool and plans to create a number of new jobs as it further increases online sales.
It currently supplies high quality stylish rugs to customers in more than 60 countries, with the majority of its business coming from the UK, US and Europe.
Founded in 2007 by Paul Vallely and his sister Clare, the business has grown significantly through the pandemic, more than doubling its product range and increasing its workforce from around 30 people at the start of 2020 to almost 90.
The company is now making a £2 million investment in its online sales capability, new stock and a new distribution and sales hub near Liverpool, supported by a £1.75m funding package from Danske Bank.
Managing director Paul Vallely said: “Online retail, particularly for home furnishings, has been lucrative during the pandemic, and we invested in both our products and people to ensure we were well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities.
“Our collection has expanded to cover hundreds of designs and sizes of rugs and we have taken on new staffin Newry and Liverpool, and we expect to add another 20 to 30 people in the next year.
“Danske Bank has been hugely supportive and has been able to see the potential of the business the way we do.”
Oonagh Murtagh, head of south business centre at Danske, said: “This fantastic family business has built a brilliant reputation for the quality of both its products and its service to customers in a range of export markets.
“Clare and Paul have already built Kukoon into a market leading company from their base in Newry and we look forward to working closely with them as they enter the next phase of growth.”
