Convenience store chain Spar Ireland has reported sales of more than €1.1 billion last year, up from just under €1 billion in 2004.
The company also plans a €90m expansion programme for 2006, which will include the launch of up to 40 new stores employing 500 people.
Spar has also launched a new 'food strategy', which will include new food and drink products and partnerships with Irish coffee company Insomnia and Canadian coffee and doughnut brand Tim Hortons, as well as Cuisine de France, Sunshine Juices and Donnelly Fruit & Veg.
The new-look stores will be piloted in three new Spar outlets - in Merrion Row and Abbey Street in Dublin and Castlebar, Co Mayo.
