Introduction

Our retail partners share a commitment to deliver quality and value to their local communities. And because every community is different, every store has its own personality too.

Catering to the needs of workers on night shifts; balancing the tastes of locals versus passing trade; supporting vulnerable members of the community through charitable initiatives - our retail partners take pride in tuning in to the needs of local people by living and working among them.

In tough times, it’s clearly essential to deliver great quality produce at the right price - but it’s not enough. The retailers associated with our brands add expertise, passion and commitment to deliver a retail offer that is different, and better.

Glenn Biesty

What a year it has been for Biesty's Centra at the Portrush Road Roundabout. Following the launch of their new car park in March 2009 the family run store was crowned Northern Ireland's 'Centra Store of the Year'. The competition looks for the highest store standards and includes four in-depth audits of the business.

Glenn and his team are committed to offering high quality products and services that reflect the real needs of the local community.

A dynamic store at the cutting edge of convenience retailing, Centra, Ballymoney is a multiple award winner reflecting its high standards both in store, and its level of commitment to the community.

Brian Colclough

SuperValu, Roscrea, has been in the hands of the Colclough family for 40 years. It’s at the heart of the local community both geographically and socially.

Local charities have benefited from numerous initiatives over the years - last Christmas €4,500.00 was added to the local Lions Club food appeal.

The Colclough family take pride in delivering customers much more than groceries. It’s a place where people look forward to meeting and sharing news while they shop. The family have evolved the store to meet the changing needs of the community over the years as tourism and services have gradually taken over from industry.

Andrew Cross

Andrew Cross's Centra in Newbridge, Co. Kildare illustrates precisely why Centra is consistently the strongest convenience brand in Ireland.

In addition to outstanding customer service, the business is acutely tuned to the needs of the tight local community it serves. This means the first rate deli sets up to deliver an endless stream of cappuccinos and coissants to locals on their way to work in the morning, hot food and sandwiches at lunch time, and outstanding meal deal takeaways in the evening.

It means delivering a strong fresh offer to which many full sized supermarkets might aspire, and a constantly refreshed range precisely honed to local needs.

Stephen Wilson

Stephen Wilson's store in Coleraine is one of a new breed of Mace outlets that challenge preconceptions of forecourt convenience.

Stephen worked with our store design teams to create a spacious, contemporary store that showcases his emphasis on a compelling range, and the highest standards of hygiene and service.

The business also makes the fullest use of our advanced logistics to deliver a strong fresh offer to locals and passing trade alike.

Terence McShane

Terence McShane and his team now have three stores, all of which act as a hub for the community they serve. Casey Centra, Limerick is the latest in a successful chain.

Dedicated to having a great team, staff training is a priority. It’s an investment that really pays back via customer satisfaction and loyalty. As well as focusing on the needs of local customers, Casey Centra in Limerick caters for the distinctive needs of a broad range of customers - from the students at the local college, who make full use of the store's excellent cafe and lunch service, to the night workers and passing trade who discover the store through its forecourt offering.

Open 24 hours, the store guarantees a warm welcome to locals and passing trade, day or night.

Alan Condron

Alan and Brenda Condron have many years experience as independent retailers having owned a number of Centra stores prior to purchasing the larger SuperValu stores in 2004 and 2005.

They are a strong and established team, not afraid of hard work, and committed to serving the needs of the local community.

Always on the look out for ways to improve their business, they have worked with Musgrave business tools and recently completed a review of energy saving possibilities within the store which is now delivering significant savings across the business.

Brett and Maria Corder

Brett Corder and his wife Maria have invested massively in their award-winning shop. The resultant makeover is a much brighter and more welcoming environment. The shelves are packed with a wider more compelling range and an in-store bakery has recently been installed. Fresh coffee is also available.

An added bonus for the Corders was that just prior to the relaunch the couple were awarded Budgens' Essentials Store of the Year.

"We knew we were in the final three in the small convenience store category last December," said Maria Corder. "There was a presentation night in Birmingham and it was only then we found out we'd actually won."

Julian Taylor-Green

Julian and Jackie Taylor-Green's Londis and its post office have recently been completely refitted with better access for all its customers.

The makeover is not just cosmetic and includes a state-of-art IT and ordering system, a new till and new doors. The store is now much brighter and easier to get around.

Julian and Jackie have also invested in the latest refrigeration and are now able to offer a considerably improved range of chilled products.

Delighted customers say it's now so good it's like having a modern mini supermarket in the village