Eurospar celebrated the launch of its new look after owners, the McCarthy family, completed an upgrade of the premises and works at Newpark Shopping Centre.
Kicking off a three-day celebration of food, entertainment, and family fun on Friday last were guests of honour Bobby Kerr of Dragon’s Den fame and local heroes from the All-Ireland winning Kilkenny Hurling team, Brian Cody, Brian Hogan, and Tommy Walsh.
Developments at the wholly Irish-owned store include a 5,000sq foot extension and total revamp of the existing floor space. The exclusive Baker’s Tray department has been relocated and extended, and additional refrigeration and shelving has been installed to accommodate an expanded product offering. All existing departments including fresh fruit and vegetables, Russell & Ryan Butchery, hot and cold deli, off-licence, newsagents, and general grocery sections have also been expanded and refreshed.
Owners of Eurospar Kilkenny, the McCarthy family said: “As an independent community supermarket and shopping centre, we are very aware of the role we play in the local area in terms of overall economic contribution, employment, and services provided to citizens. There are approximately 150 people employed at Newpark Shopping centre which means many families are dependent on the ongoing success of the businesses operating here. Our investment represents more than just a store upgrade; it is an investment in the community where we work and live, and as local business people, we feel it is vitally important to stimulate confidence in the area.
“We thought it only fitting to mark our special occasion with a celebration for all the customers who support us - that’s why we’ve pulled out all the stops with three days of fun and entertainment for all the family. We also wanted to highlight our partnership with local producers from the county as part of Taste of Kilkenny Food Trail so we’ve dedicated a whole day to showcasing the best of what our great county has to offer.
“We have been in business here for over six years and we’ve enjoyed great support from our customers throughout this time. Hopefully they will be impressed by the changes in-store and enjoy the expanded range on offer.”
In addition to the official proceedings on day one, Eurospar Kilkenny announced the winner of the Creative Kilkenny Awards: Ann Kelly took first place, with Newpark Family Resource claiming both the second and fourth prizes, and Mary McGuinness came in third.
The supermarket was also the first Eurospar in the country to install Baker’s Tray – a bakery concept created especially for the brand and featuring an extensive range of freshly baked traditional and Mediterranean products.
