Garvey’s buys Listowel supermarket

THE Garvey supermarket chain has acquired Guerin’s Shopping Centre in Listowel for an undisclosed sum.

According to industry sources, the retailing company, which operates nine Supervalu supermarkets in Munster, beat off strong competition from Tesco to net the 25,000 square foot, Convent Road premises for a sum close to €14 million.

Garvey’s already have a store in the Kerry town, but it’s too small for their present needs, according to Terry Dunne, the group’s managing director. He said they plan to integrate the Market Yard premises with the purpose-built Guerin premises shortly.

The company said all jobs in the existing Guerin’s and Garvey stores are secure and that their present outlet will continue trading until October. They hope to open in their new premises in early September and predict a maximum employment level of 100 people when the stores are amalgamated.

Guerins only recently invested in their purpose-built 25,000 square foot shopping centre. It includes an in-store bakery, off-licence and 160 car parking spaces, compared to 50 at Garvey’s existing 8,000 square foot store.

Guerin’s traded under the Londis banner.

Tomás Garvey, chairman of the Garvey Group, said the purchase copper-fastened its position as Kerry’s largest retailer and its firm commitment to the county and Listowel.

Joe Guerin, whose parents founded the Listowel shop 50 years ago, said it was important to him that he was handing over the goodwill of his store “to a fellow Kerry independent retailer”.

He wished Garvey’s well and thanked his staff and customers for their support of Guerin’s over the years.

Garvey’s has invested €5m in its flagship Tralee outlet in the last year.

Garvey’s have four Supervalu outlets in Kerry, three in Limerick, one in Cashel and one other supermarket in Dungarvan.

Tomás Garvey has extensive property interests and owns two hotels in Dingle, the Skellig and Benners.