Back for the first time since 2019, the ceremony saw Musgrave NI celebrate and recognise the achievements, hard work and dedication of its retail partners across the three brands.

SuperValu McCool’s Kells claimed the title of SuperValu Store of the Year and was recognised for its warm and friendly service, and support and fundraising for local events. Judges noted the strong management team and committed and engaged team of colleagues who deliver great customer service, as being key to the success.

Centra Martin and Boal’s in Holywood picked up the Centra Store of the Year award. Consistently high standards across customer service and store standards, plus strong sales growth driven by a resilient team, propelled the store to achieve the winning title.

For MACE, the Store of the Year award went to MACE Dolan’s Kildress.  The store has undergone several developments over recent years and has transitioned to a fantastic Store of the Future. Attracting high levels of local and passing trade, the introduction of an Off Sales and Frank and Honest coffee has contributed to its success.

SuperValu Wilson’s Portadown was announced as Newcomer of the Year while in the Musgrave owned store categories, SuperValu Portstewart and Centra Portglenone were champions.

The awards also saw SuperValu Strabane clinching the crown for Fundraising Store of the Year for Action Cancer, while MACE McDonald’s, Lurgan won Fundraiser of the Year for NI Chest Heart and Stroke for the second time, both Musgrave’s charity partners.

Congratulating all finalists, Trevor Magill Managing Director of Musgrave in Northern Ireland said: “The Musgrave Store of the Year Awards are a part of a continuous drive to maintain the highest possible standards across our retail brands. We were delighted to hold the event once again and are proud to recognise the hard work and dedication of our retail partners, as well as our Musgrave owned stores, who are redefining convenience retail.

“Our stores are at the very heart of communities across Northern Ireland and are dedicated to delivering the best in customer service. I thank all of our retailers who work tirelessly to set themselves apart from competitors through hard work, passion and commitment to excellence.”

The awards, which were hosted by radio presenter Pete Snodden and held at the Slieve Donard Hotel, showcase and recognise all of Musgrave’s retailers in Northern Ireland across the SuperValu, Centra and MACE brands. Finalists are selected following several rigorous rounds of performance and standards audits, with the highest accolade being ‘Store of the Year’.

Caption: Celebrating at Musgrave NI’s Store of the Year awards at the Slieve Donard Hotel are (back, left to right) Musgrave NI Managing Director Trevor Magill; Keith Dolan, owner of Mace Kildress which won Mace Store of the Year; Peter McCool, owner of SuperValu Kells which won SuperValu Store of the Year; and Musgrave NI Sales Director Paddy Murney. (Front left to right) Edel O’Connor Mace Kildress store manager; Debbie McGaul SuperValu Kells store manager; and Jonathan Boal, owner of Centra Holywood which won Centra Store of the Year.

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Introduced to retailers at Musgrave’s Retailers’ Conference last week at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Centra’s Choices campaign focuses on four behaviours that promote happiness in ourselves and others – Positivity, Kindness, Respect and Attitude. Taking a multi-channel approach, the campaign will be highlighted across broadcast, print, PR, social and digital.

Social media influencer partnerships have also been utilised to support the campaign including RuPaul’s Drag Race Vs the World winner, Blu Hydrangea; TikTok sensation and disability activist, India Sasha, and Instagram fashion blogger and cancer survivor, Aisling Gallagher (Galsgoss) who will bring the campaign to life across their social platforms. Centra is also looking forward to revealing a partnership with a fourth social media influencer later this month.

They’ll join Centra ambassador, Pete Snodden in question and answer sessions, broadcast on Instagram Live during the month of May discussing how the choices they have made have led to where they are now.

Desi Derby, Marketing Director at Centra, commented on the launch of the campaign: “Centra’s ‘Choices’ campaign is a bold statement about where we are as a brand and how we fit into the everyday lives of consumers. It is important that we evolve with our customers and the four pillars of our campaign – Positivity, Kindness, Respect and Attitude – aim to connect with our customers and position Centra as a modern and progressive brand. Ultimately this will drive footfall to our stores, increase sales and support our retailers.”

Forming part of the marketing campaign, Centra has also launched a region-wide Community Fund to the value of £5,000.

Community groups are encouraged to apply for Centra’s ‘Choices’ fund, with five individual pots of £1,000 available. Applications are now open and will remain open until mid-August.

Applicants for the community fund grants must demonstrate how their projects will benefit the wider community and how it aligns with one of the four behaviours celebrated in the campaign.

To support retailers, a wealth of instore marketing collateral focusing on the community fund will be displayed throughout Centra stores across the region to strengthen the connection between the campaign and the instore experience.

Desi continued: “The choices we make define us and at Centra, we choose community, so we are excited to launch our £5,000 fund to give back to the neighbourhoods in which we operate and show support for community at a grassroots level. We encourage community groups, charities and not for profits from across Northern Ireland to apply on behalf of the projects they’re currently undertaking and could use some help with.

“It’s an exciting time for Centra and as we move forward, we will remain at the heart of our communities and support our customers as they navigate their way through their everyday choices.”

Caption: Centra ambassador, Pete Snodden; Drag Artist, Blu Hydrangea and Desi Derby, Marketing Director at Centra.

The post Centra launches new Northern Ireland advertising campaign focused on ‘Choices’ first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The convenience retailers today announced their Christmas Cracker competition, which is now live on the SuperValu and Centra Facebook pages and will run until 14 December.

To be in with a chance of winning one of four £500 prizes, entrants should simply visit their local SuperValu or Centra and scan a QR code on the gold promotional signage in store. The winners will be drawn at random on 15 December.

  Desi Derby, Marketing Director of SuperValu and Centra in Northern Ireland, said: “After an unusual Christmas last year, we know people are really looking forward to celebrating and spending time with their families this year. We want to bring a little extra joy to our customers with the chance to win these great cash prizes.

“The pandemic has continued to affect people throughout 2021 and we are focused on making Christmas affordable as well as ensuring our SuperValu and Centra stores are full to the brim with Christmas fayre and essentials. This competition is linked to over 20 Cracker Deals, giving shoppers even more value this Christmas across our network of stores.”

Caption: SuperValu ambassadors Kerry and Tara of Sisters & Sons and Centra Ambassador Pete Snodden join forces to launch Cracker Christmas Competition.

The post Supervalu and Centra pledge Cracker Christmas for four lucky families first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.