SUPERVALU ANNOUNCED RECORD sales of €2.58 billion this morning for 2014.
The sales are a landmark figure for the brand and confirms the intense nature of the competition between SuperValu, Tesco and Dunnes at the top of the Irish retail tree.
The high figures are somewhat a result of SuperValu’s absorption of 24 former SuperQuinn outlets in February of last year.
SuperValu now stand second in the Irish retail rankings with 24.9% market share, hot on Tesco’s heels who still top the table with 25.2%. Dunnes Stores bring up the rear with 23.8%.
SuperValu differ slightly from their immediate competitors in that their stores are owned on a franchise basis, more akin to Spar or Centra.
The impressive numbers were released at the grocery chain’s national conference in Killarney today.
Not resting on their laurels, managing director Martin Kelleher announced to the gathering that the company will open four new stores in 2015 and create 280 jobs in the process.
The chain currently employs about 14,500 people nationwide.
“We finished the year well with a good Christmas trading period,” Kelleher said.
We believe we can go from strength to strength into this year. We will continue to drive the momentum behind SuperValu into 2015 through our commitment to local suppliers and exceptional value.
The chain plans to invest €18 million in opening the four new stores this year.
Mooted locations for the new stores include Athlone, Co. Westmeath and Kilcock, Co. Kildare.
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