Emersons Unveils £2m Plan

One of Northern Ireland’s best-known family supermarkets has announced that it is to invest £2m in an ambitious expansion programme.

The Emerson family, who have traded in Armagh city for the past 125 years, have revealed plans to extend their already substantial Scotch Street store onto adjacent land on Market Street formerly occupied by Walkers department store.

The news comes a few months after planners granted final approval for a 44,000 sq ft Tesco store at the former Fane Valley site on Alexander Road on the edge of the city.

The new store will incorporate the Post Office, a ground floor restaurant and a refurbishment of the supermarket.

The news will bring the Post Office back into the heart of the city after its decision to relocate 160 metres, to Scotch Street, from its current site.

Emersons, which employs 110 people, was first opened by Henry Alexander Emerson in 1889. It was then passed to his son Newton Emerson then on to his son Henry and is now being run by Henry’s son Gavin.

Speaking about the expansion, Gavin Emerson said: “Armagh city centre is a special place for us so the expansion is our way of investing in the city centre’s future. We are always looking at ways to reinvest so we can build on our achievements to date, expand our services for our customers and build a sustainable future which not only creates jobs but also puts life back into our high street.

“The recession was a sad time when many businesses were forced to close their doors. Everyone felt the struggle but what was clear is the importance of local people supporting local businesses. We are celebrating 125 years this year so showing our customers in Armagh that we are reinvesting in our business, to enhance their customer experience, is very important to us.”

Gavin added: “This is an exciting move for the people of Armagh and for the sustainability of the high street. We are hoping the refurbishment will be completed by the end of October.”