Centra has announced that it recorded retail sales of €1.435 billion in 2012. This performance underpins Centra’s position, as Ireland’s number one local convenience brand, serving over three million customers per week. The retail chain grew by 1.6%.
Speaking today at Centra’s National Retailer Conference in Killarney, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of Centra, also announced that through a €20 million investment programme by retailers, that the brand will add approximately 400 jobs, as 20 new stores are added to its network in 2013. 100 of these will be new jobs created by the opening of a number of new greenfield sites, with the balance created by store extensions and other independent stores joining the Centra network.
Speaking at the Conference, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of Centra, said, “Centra’s success, despite the challenging economic environment, can be attributed to our continued focus on delivering value and providing innovative convenience solutions for shoppers. In 2012, we increased value to our customers by 15% or almost €90 million, through price reductions and continued to evolve our range to stay in tune with consumer trends. This is illustrated by an increase of almost €5 million in our ‘Food-to-Go’ sales, while our new ‘Table for Two’ range of convenience dinners, delivering sales of over €1.2m.”
“We opened 18 new stores last year, demonstrating the continuing preference of Irish shoppers to shop local, saving time and petrol, particularly when they can avail of good value and an innovative range. Together with our retail partners we employ almost 10,000 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the country. As our stores are all locally owned, we also invest back into the community by sourcing from local producers and making a real difference by contributing to local sports clubs and charities. For example, in 2012 our retailers spent €40 million directly with local suppliers and also donated €2.1 million to community organisations.”
“In 2013 we will continue to adapt to the budget conscious customer by investing in further price reductions, launching new products to cater for specific segments and leveraging our innovation agenda to connect with the modern consumer.”
Centra remains committed to local employment and sourcing from Irish producers, purchasing over €1 billion of Irish goods, with 75% of all products sold in store produced or sourced in Ireland. This included €130 million of Irish fresh food in addition to over €40million spent by Centra store owners on products sourced from suppliers within their local community.
