Independent retailers Neil and Lee-Anne McRobbie have completed a £250,000 extension and refurbishment of their Centra store in Westwinds, Newtownards, enhancing its food-to-go offer, product range and energy efficiency.
The refurbished store supports 15 local jobs and has been redesigned with a new layout, updated internal and external signage, digital screens and an extended range featuring more than 100 new products.
The investment also expands the store's food-to-go proposition, including a hot grab-and-go counter, sandwiches, meal deals and Frank and Honest coffee. Customers can also use the brand's digital loyalty app, which rewards shoppers with a free coffee after six purchases.
Neil McRobbie, who has operated the store with his wife Lee-Anne for 24 years after converting it from Mace to Centra around 12 years ago, said the refurbishment was designed to improve the shopping experience for customers.
“We're very proud to unveil a fresh new look for the store, which has been part of the Westwinds community for over 50 years,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to serve the community with a great range, strong value, and excellent service for many years to come.”
The store has also introduced the Signature Tastes range from sister retailer SuperValu, expanded its off-licence offering and created a dedicated zero-alcohol section.
The refurbishment also reinforces Centra's value proposition. Shoppers will benefit from hundreds of best-buy promotions, savings of up to 40 per cent on own-brand products, a supermarket price match with Tesco on key everyday grocery lines, and the retailer's rotating Epic Deals promotion on four branded products every three weeks.
David Higgins, retail sales director at Musgrave NI, said the refurbished store demonstrated the strength of independent retail partners investing in their local communities.
“Congratulations to our independent retail partners Neil and Lee-Anne on their newly refreshed store – it’s clear to see customers are impressed with the changes. The store is a real asset to the community, offering the height of convenience at great value, and I’d like to wish them and their team all the best with the new look store.”
The investment also includes energy-saving measures to support Musgrave's target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. These include LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration, while electronic shelf-edge labels will be introduced shortly to reduce paper and ink consumption.
The relaunch was marked with a community family fun day featuring promotions, product sampling and entertainment for local shoppers.
“It was fantastic to welcome customers along to our fun day, giving them the opportunity to experience the refreshed store first-hand, enjoy food tastings, and take part in prize giveaways – a small way of thanking them for their continued support,” McRobbie said.
Earlier this year, Musgrave NI, which owns SuperValu, Centra and Mace fascias, has set out plans for a £23 million investment across its store network this year, as the group looks to expand and modernise its convenience estate.