Supervalu continues its expansion in the Irish retail market, opening a new Supervalu in Kinsale today.
The store, which is owned by local businessman, Michael Smith represents a total investment of €13 million and is set to create 35 new jobs, bringing the total employment at the store to 115.
The new 20,000 sq. ft. store located at The Glen, New Road, Kinsale will feature a fresh food range, including expert butchers and fishmongers, a fresh fruit and vegetable selection and a range of exclusive breads and cakes made by its own bakers in-store.
Chef Mark Collins will run the stores new kitchen, producing a wide range of freshly cooked soups, salads, lunch and evening meal ranges.
The store will also have an olive bar with a wide range of olives and antipasta, in addition to a dedicated cheese counter which will include a wide range of continental, Irish and locally sourced cheeses.
‘The Bean Counter’, a coffee shop within the store, will allow shoppers to relax and enjoy the flavours of a barista style coffee. A full off-licence will offer a wide range of world wines, beers and spirits. Customers can also avail of the SuperValu online shopping service allowing customers to shop online and avail of a ‘click and collect’ or home delivery service.
Recent figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, published for the 12 weeks ending 2 March, show that Supervalu has become Ireland’s second largest grocer following the rebrand of Superquinn’s stores on 13 February.
David Berry, commercial director at Kantar Worldpanel, explained: “Bringing 24 Superquinn stores under the Supervalu banner has enhanced the retailer’s position as a major player in the grocery market. Supervalu now accounts for 25.3 per cent of Irish shoppers’ grocery market spend, just 1.1 percentage points behind Tesco. Its sales have remained broadly in line with the market, which shows that it has been able to retain its market share while acquiring assets. Now, the main challenge for Supervalu is to convince previously loyal Superquinn shoppers of the merits of the Supervalu brand, and ultimately hold onto their custom.