Total SuperValu investment of €25 million creates 400 jobs in 2011
SuperValu has announced the opening of its new store in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, which was officially opened earlier today by the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD. The new store brings total investment in SuperValu stores to €25 million in 2011, which has created 400 jobs at locations nationwide including Dun Laoghaire, Mountmellick, Athy, Manorhamilton and Fermoy.
Officially opening the new store in Dun Laoghaire, Tánaiste Gilmore said, “I am delighted to open this new SuperValu store for a number of reasons. It is a good news story, not only for the 70 new employees and their families, particularly with Christmas around the corner, but also for the local community. They will now have greater choice in where they shop and greater access to Irish produce.
Dun Laoghaire, like towns throughout the country, has been hit hard by the recession. However I believe the opening of this store is a very positive sign that the local business community is fighting back and I warmly welcome that.”
The latest store to open in the SuperValu network is the new €1.6 million store in Dun Laoghaire, which is owned by the centre owners, with initial in-store set up and support being provided by Eddie Kane and Dan McCartney of the Kane McCartney group of SuperValu stores.
Its opening comes in the wake of an investment of €90 million by SuperValu in delivering price savings to Irish shoppers, reducing the price of the average weekly SuperValu shopping basket from €132 to €102, a saving of €30.
Commenting on the announcement, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director SuperValu, said, “This new store in Dun Laoghaire brings total investment in SuperValu stores nationwide to €25 million in 2011, which has created 400 jobs. SuperValu’s core business is at the heart of local communities, run by local businesspeople. We contribute to thriving town centres around the country, supporting local suppliers and creating local employment. We are backing Ireland. The new store in Dun Laoghaire is a great opportunity for SuperValu to continue that regional focus and I look forward to further expansion in the year ahead.”
Geoff Barry, Manager SuperValu Dun Laoghaire, said; “Our customers will be able to take advantage of the fresh food, value for money and excellent customer service that is synonymous with SuperValu. We place a strong emphasis on supporting Irish suppliers and stocking Irish-made produce, with 75% of all goods available in the store either produced or sourced in Ireland. Additionally, the store will sell only 100% Irish meat and poultry, which has been born, bred and reared in Ireland.”
The store will boast a superb fresh food offering, which includes an expert butchery department, an excellent fresh fruit and vegetable selection and a range of exclusive breads from its own in-store bakery department. A full off-licence will also offer a wide range of world wines, beers and spirits.
SuperValu is Ireland’s leading independent food retailer and the only retailer with a store in each county. SuperValu’s commitment to Irish based producers includes sales of over €1 billion worth of fresh Irish food every year. In 2010 the total purchases of Irish goods and services made by SuperValu, was worth over €1.6billion to the Irish economy, serving to both create and protect almost 30,000 Irish jobs in the farm, food and retail sector. 75% of everything in SuperValu is either produced or sourced in Ireland and it is the only supermarket to stock 100% Irish meat including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, ham and bacon.
