Ireland-based Musgrave group, operator of the Centra banner, has announced the opening of two new stores in Northern Ireland, creating a total of 50 new jobs.
The first Centra store is located in Craigavon, Co. Armagh, following a £2.5 million (€2.8 million) investment, which will bring more than 30 jobs to the area.
As well as local produce, the store will also play host to several convenience store concepts such as Frank and Honest Coffee or a Hot and Cold Deli and a Mexican food 'Mex-a-go' counter.
Significant Development
Speaking on the opening, store owner Tom Greene said, “We are proud to work with Musgrave, Centra and Go Fuel on what has been a highly significant development for the local area.
"This store has been developed with the ever-busy commuter in mind, providing a range of fresh food and convenience options, alongside an extensive grocery range. As well as being a one-stop shop for food, household necessities and vehicle fuel, the new Centra store offers comfortable, stylish surroundings.
“We have created an unbelievably high tech and high spec store of the highest standard, which we believe has greatly enhanced the area. We are proud to have created 30 local jobs and to give something back to the community that has supported us throughout the years.”
Local Pride
The second Centra store, in Limavady, Co. Derry, is the result of a £450,000 joint investment between Musgrave and the Wilson family, a local family business, and will bring 20 jobs the community.
As well as providing the same convenience store concepts, it will also offer an ice cream counter, in partnership with Carte d'Or, and Musgrave's fish and chips brand, Chipmongers.
The store will bear the name of Ivan Wilson in honour of the late well-known local businessman, with his son Michael Wilson speaking on the opening, "The Ivan Wilson business is a family business and we are excited, as we celebrate 70 years in business this year, to mark another milestone in opening our new Centra store at Ballyquin Road, Limavady.
"This new-look store is an exciting and fresh retail concept that will be matched by the first-class customer service, synonymous with the Wilson family name.”
Those openings come as a logical next step after the Musgrave group heavily invested in its suppliers in Northern Ireland in late 2017, announcing a £17 million investment.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Matthieu Chassain. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
