Centra expansion promises 400 jobs

Centra has announced its intention to create 400 jobs, as the company reported it achieved retail sales of more than €1.4bn last year.

The news came at Centra’s National Retailer Conference in Killarney, Co Kerry.

Managing director of Centra, Martin Kelleher, said the company had become Ireland’s number one local convenience brand, serving more than 3m customers every week.

“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,” said Mr Kelleher.

The retailer is planning a €20m investment that will add 20 new shops to its network and create 400 jobs.

At least 100 of these jobs will be 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.

“We opened 18 new stores last year, demonstrating the continuing preference of Irish shoppers to shop local, saving time and petrol,” said Mr Kelleher.

“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 €40m directly with local suppliers and also donated €2.1m to community organisations,” he said.

The company claims that 75% of all the goods sold in Centra shops is either produced or sourced in Ireland.

In 2012 it purchased over €1bn worth of Irish goods, including €130m of Irish fresh food.