
11th February 2019 – Cross’ Centra in Kilcullen, Co Kildare has been named the best Convenience Centra store in Ireland for 2019. The store received the much-coveted accolade at the Centra National Conference, which took place at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
Andrew Cross from Cross’ Centra was presented with the award by Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of Centra, Dan Curtin, Centra Sales Director and JF Michel, Account Director of Three Business, competition sponsors.
As part of the competitive process, retail consultant Dr Alan Collins audited Centra stores across Ireland, with each participating store assessed for its range, quality, customer service, hygiene, service offering and local community involvement.
Receiving the award, store owner Andrew Cross paid tribute to the team at Cross’ Centra and acknowledged that their enthusiasm and dedication were determining factors in the Kilcullen store being selected as the 2019 Centra Best Convenience Store in Ireland.
“It is great to receive this acknowledgement and the team and I are delighted to accept this award. We strive to give our customers the best shopping experience with the best value and convenience. The team has worked hard and enthusiastically all year so I dedicate this award to them, well done everyone. It is a pleasure to receive this award and I would like to thank all involved,” Mr Cross said.
Commenting on the awards, competition judge Dr Alan Collins said: “It is always a delight to engage with owners who are passionate about their stores, colleagues, customers and communities – and you can sense this passion as soon as you set foot in the door at Cross’ Centra. It’s a great store with such high-quality products with the added bonus of convenience. This is the kind of store everyone wants in their community and I would like to congratulate you and your colleagues on all that you have achieved.”
Dan Curtin, Sales Director of Centra, commended all Centra retailers for their contribution to redefining convenience shopping. “Centra stores, such as Cross in Kilcullen, are perfect examples of independent retailers working hard in their local communities to succeed in a very competitive market, by meeting the needs of their customers. They provide choice, value and excellent service within their locality on a daily basis. Congratulations to the team at Cross’ Centra, who have gone above and beyond to maintain the highest standards across the store.”
With over 462 stores, Centra employs almost 11,000 people and serves over three million customers per week. Centra invests more than €240 million in local communities per annum, which is the equivalent of €4.5 million per week through a combination of payments to local suppliers, acquisition of local business services, wages, charitable donations and local sponsorships.