Gala invests €40m creating 400 jobs

CONVENIENCE retailer Gala is investing €40 million in 35 new stores next year, creating 400 jobs.

The retailer is also on course to report turnover of more than €550m next year, an increase on the €1 million it reported in its first year of operation 10 years ago.

The company also launched a new corporate identity at its annual conference in Athlone yesterday.

Gala chief executive Gary Desmond said: “The group has experienced a period of considerable growth, especially in the last three years. We are delighted that, year-on-year, we can report new store openings, more Gala jobs and increased turnover.

“This success has had a positive knock-on-effect with an increased number of retailers joining the Gala Group.”

Over the last two years, Gala has invested €96m in the development of its retail chain. It is now on target to open its 35th store by the end of the year.

It said it sourced more than €200m of supplies from Irish firms so far this year, an increase of €8m from last year.

Mr Desmond said the re-branding will be applied across all visual aspects of the business from the logo to the stores.

“In 2008, we will develop the Gala brand further and raise the profile of the group.

“Our sponsorship of the Gala All-Ireland Camogie Championships will continue in 2008, in addition to a health and wellbeing programme and a number of consumer promotions.”

Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin said yesterday that the retail sector continues to play an important role in our economy.

“In today’s competitive marketplace, Gala’s continued success is to be congratulated. I always welcome the expansion of Irish companies and it’s pleasing that Gala can report increased business with Irish suppliers.”

Gala also said yesterday that through its association with the Stonehouse and Aontas buying groups, it has access to buying power in excess of €2 billion.