Centra centres in on €1bn barrier

CONVENIENCE store chain Centra has the €1 billion barrier in its sights after recording sales of €930 million in 2004, an increase of almost 10% on the previous year.

The Musgrave-controlled chain, which operates more than 350 shops, said yesterday it would open another 35 shops in the year ahead. These would create a further 525 jobs to add to the 10,000 currently employed by retailers that are part of the chain.

Centra managing director Donal Horgan said the Irish market had become increasingly competitive and that retail prices were falling.