Centra to create 150 new jobs in 2012

The convenience retailer said it will add 300 jobs to its existing workforce this year, as a further 20 stores are added to its network. Some 150 of these jobs will be created by the opening of a number of new greenfield sites, with the balance coming through store extensions and other independent stores joining the Centra network.

This will involve an investment of €10m in new store openings, as well as the extension and refurbishment of existing stores.

Speaking today at Centra’s National Retailer Conference in Killarney, Martin Kelleher, managing director of Centra, told the 458 retail partners in attendance that the business recorded €1.4bn in sales in 2011.

“Despite a difficult trading environment, Centra has recorded a good sales performance,” he said, adding that with the addition of the new jobs, the company will employ almost 15,000 people together with its retail partners.

“Our continued success can be put down to our unique offer to consumers in terms of value and the position our retailers fulfil at the heart of their local communities. Our retail partners have been quick to adapt to the budget conscious consumer, with initiatives such as rounded price points and multi-buys; combined with excellent bundle offers.”

A report by David McWilliams’ Economics Clinic on Centra’s contribution to the Irish economy in 2011 was also unveiled at the conference.

“We take our local stores, such as Centra, very much for granted,” said McWilliams. “However, when you delve into the numbers behind these local, family owned enterprises and combine the number of stores within the Centra network, the contribution they make to Ireland Inc. is really significant.  For example, the annual payroll for Centra in 2011 was almost €153m.”

The report also highlights that Centra retailers spent €15.9m on professional services and almost €40m on products sourced from suppliers, within their local community.  In addition, its retailers contributed €715,000 to local GAA clubs and €1.4m to voluntary and community groups.

The stores also purchased Irish fresh food to the value of €140m, including €35m worth of meat and poultry, €27m of fruit and vegetables and €68m of dairy products.

“More and more of us are shopping locally to avoid spending money on petrol or to ensure we are only buying what we need, as we cook it, so there is no wastage,” said McWilliams. “This can only be good for our economy as we move forward, with international studies confirming that 45c of every euro spent with local companies re-circulates back into the local economy.  This is very significant for the Irish economy, as we claw our way out of our current issues.”

Centra said it remains committed to local employment and sourcing from Irish producers, purchasing over €1bn of Irish goods, with 75pc of all products sold in store produced or sourced in Ireland.