Sales at convenience store chain Centra rose by 15% last year to a total of €1.383 billion, its national conference was told today. Centra is backed by the Musgrave Group.
A total of €67m was invested by Centra's independent retail partners last year, €50m in the opening of 47 new stores and a further €17m invested in the revamp and extension of 82 stores.
Centra plans to open 44 new stores in 2008 with an investment package of €65m. €45m is earmarked for the new stores, while another €20m has been set aside for the revamp of 80 existing shops.
1,000 jobs will be created in 2008, bringing to 14,000 the total number of people employed across the Centra network.
Speaking at today's conference, Donal Horgan - Managing Director of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland - said that Centra's sales performance last year demonstrated the success of the group's innovative retail model, despite rising business costs and an extremely competitive retail environment.
