FASHION firm Pia Rossini is expanding its operations in Bangor, recruiting 10 new staff and creating a new online store to grow its international sales.
The family business designs coordinated fashion accessories which currently are stocked by well-known retailers such as QVC and ASOS.
Its customers also include a number of global chains including the Ritz Carlton and Sandals resorts, as well as the famous Bellagio luxury hotel, resort and casino in Las Vegas.
Pia Rossini’s products include its new resort line, hats, scarves, shawls, capes, ponchos, handbags and gloves produced in a range of designs, fabrics and finishes. The fashion accessories are supplied to boutiques and stores throughout the UK and distributed all around the world.
Invest NI is supporting the company’s marketing activities and the recruitment of the new staff, half of which are already in place.
Debbie Shaw, director at Pia Rossini, added: “This expansion is an important investment for us as we work towards expanding our international customer base.
"The recent re-brand gives us a vibrant, fresher and more recognisable image and our new e-commerce website will be a crucial new platform to drive retail sales across Europe and beyond."
She added: “Invest NI’s support with our marketing activities and recruiting 10 new staff is enabling us to push forward with our development plans as we aim to achieve sales growth of over 30 per cent during the next three years.”
Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s director of consumer products, said: “Pia Rossini is a unique enterprise which has grown dramatically in recent years, developing into a renowned women’s accessories brand in the global marketplace.
“Its new online store, targeting the retail market, will support the company’s growth in Europe and expansion into new markets, such as the Middle East.
"The £48,000 employment grant Invest NI has offered towards the new jobs will help Pia Rossini put in place the resources and skills needed to meet the surge in orders it anticipates in the coming months.
“This investment is good news for the Ards & North Down council area and employment opportunities being created will generate £204,600 in additional salaries to the local economy.”
Recruitment for the new positions at Pia Rossini is ongoing and includes linguists in customer services roles, as well as sales positions and additional warehouse staff.
