AN established Enniskillen family retailer has opened a new £2 million convenience store, creating 15 jobs.
The Lilley family, which also operates the successful Centra store and forecourt on the Lough Shore Road, has opened a new outlet on the Dublin Road.
The prominent shop and forecourt site, situated on the main arterial route to and from Enniskillen, was purchased in 2016 with support from Ulster Bank, as well as Centra owners, Musgrave.
The major redevelopment has included an extension to the forecourt to ease congestion, as well as the introduction of convenience store concepts such as the Frank and Honest coffee brand, hot and cold deli counter and self-service hot box.
Alongside pre-packaged food-to-go ranges, a new ‘Green Kitchen’ salad bar concept has also been introduced, alongside a new in-store bakery, off-license and gelato and ice cream bar.
Additionally the new store is the first Centra retailer in the north to feature digital shelf edge displays and features a new sit-down dining area, which offers complimentary WiFi access.
Store owner, Una Lilley believes they have created a "store for the future" and one that raises the bar for convenience retailing.
"Consumer shopping behaviours have evolved and it’s important that the local retail offering reflects what the consumer wants; exceptional service and quality product that remains competitive," she said.
Leona McNicholl, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank added:
“The Lilley family are longstanding and respected retailers in the Enniskillen area having operated at their Drumlyon site for over 30 years. After taking ownership of the Dublin Road store in 2016 Una quickly revitalised its offering and services and doubled its sales by addressing shortcomings and anticipating consumers’ needs.
“Ulster Bank was pleased to finance its purchase and redevelopment, and to support the execution of Una’s vision for the store. Introducing new technologies and services can seem novel in concept, but their outstanding delivery is driving significant sales growth at the new store.”
Meanwhile Centra owner, Musgrave has announced a £1m investment in its Derry operations.
Musgrave MarketPlace, the north's leading wholesale supplier to foodservice, retail and SME businesses has announced the transformation of its Pennyburn branch into a state-of-the-art food emporium.
The upgrade forms part of a £11.4m investment to date in the Musgrave MarketPlace brand on the island of Ireland over the last four years.
The new-look Buncrana Road branch employs over 40 staff and will serve local hotels, bars, restaurants and retailers in the north west.
Michael McCormack, managing director of Musgrave Northern Ireland said the latest investment marks a "significant day" in the firm's history.
"This investment will provide our customers with a new and improved shopping experience. We look forward to welcoming our customers and our new employees to our new look branch in the coming days and weeks," he added.
