Boohoo has announced plans to create 5,000 jobs as part of a £500m investment plan in the Ƶ to mark its 15th anniversary.
The Manchester-based online fashion retailer revealed on Thursday its 2021 Economic Impact Report, which outlined the firm's almost £2bn in GVA to the Ƶ economy since 2009.
The jobs will be created over the next five years, and Boohoo said the investment will help the firm continue its "Incredible growth".
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CEO John Lyttle said: “The growth this business has experienced over the last 15 years has been phenomenal. It has not been without its challenges, but it is right to celebrate the significant contributions the company makes to the towns and communities where we operate.
"The investments we have planned will help us to continue our growth, increasing our customer base both at home and abroad, adding even more value as we do so.
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“All of this has only been possible because of the amazing people who form our boohoo family. I am so proud of the way they rise to every challenge and I look forward to growing together as we cement our position as leaders in global fashion e-commerce.”
The report also highlighted Boohoo's "growing global appeal" - with around 50% of sales now coming from international markets such as the USA and Australia.
The firm said in order to meet this increased demand, it has set out its plans to secure additional warehouse space and invest in ‘smart IT solutions’ which will help its processes to become more efficient.
The report added that inthe financial year 2020/21, operations added £559.4m in GVA to the Ƶ, supporting an estimated 8,050 Full Time Equivalent jobs. That figureequated to around 4.4% of the total Ƶ clothing and footwear retail sector.
The report also highlighted the regional impacts of the group’s operations, with 94% of the jobs and economic benefit created by boohoo group taking place outside of London - at the group's international distribution centre in Burnley - and its head office in Manchester.
Across the North West, the group contributed £309m in GVA to the regional economy and – as of January 2021 – employed 3,208 people in the region.
