Pictured are (l to r) SuperValu Comber store manager, Martin Reynolds and Michael McCormack, Managing Director, Musgrave, who are celebrating the completion of a £600k store revamp that will help to redefine the local convenience market.

SuperValu Comber has just completed a £600k revamp that will help to redefine the local convenience market.

The food market store, which employs 50 local staff, will have many new features, explained Martin Reynolds, SuperValu Comber, Store Manager.

“When customers come through our refreshed foyer area they will see all the same great brands they’re used to but we’ve got some surprises too.

“We are the first SuperValu store in Northern Ireland to have a new sit-in coffee area featuring our excellent coffee brand, Frank and Honest.  As well as a Frank and Honest machine, where people can prepare their own take out coffee, the café will have its own barista, free Wi-Fi and a comfortable seating area where locals can catch up”, said Martin.

Musgrave conducted extensive research into the changing needs of the consumer which led to the development of new market leading ranges including a Gourmet Sandwich and a Hot Carvery sandwich range.

Martin said: “We’ll have a fantastic hot and cold ‘Food to Go’ area serving breakfast, lunch and featuring a carvery section with wraps, gourmet sandwiches, baguettes and boxed salads. People will have a lot more choice now including lots of healthy options too.”

The SuperValu butcher area will have state-of-the-art equipment allowing butchers to better serve the Comber and surrounding communities.

Martin continued: “All of our beef, which is matured for 21 days, pork and lamb, is from Northern Ireland so the quality is fantastic and it’s something that sets us apart from our competitors.

“Our master butchers are trained to the highest standards providing the quality advice and service people expect from a local butcher. Our meat offering will be greatly enhanced ensuring our customers continue to get access to the freshest, finest quality meat, including hot whole chickens.

“We’ve also improved the fruit and veg area with a better selection and greater choice for our customers. Our Fresh For You own brand ranges will be available at the store as well as fresh bread and evening meal solutions which are all made by Northern Ireland suppliers.

“The store is environmentally friendly with an extended bank of energy efficient fridges and freezers. We’ve had a very positive reaction from customers and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people to the area with our new inspiring ranges”, said Martin.

Shauna Hamill, Head of Retail Operations of Musgrave, said: “The retail market has changed rapidly over the past few years and we’ve reinvigorated our offering to match consumers changing needs, by providing a huge amount of choice.

“We are very much committed to the long-term future of the SuperValu brand in Comber,” she added.

The building which now houses SuperValu is an important local landmark in the area, continued Martin.

“We had a great conversation with the Comber Historical Society recently and learned much about the history of the site from the 1700’s to present day.

“It was important to us to ensure the facade and integrity of the building remained as, after all, it has been there since 1956 when Comber Cinema opened. SuperValu took over the site in 1996 and we hope that our considerable investment will secure the future of the building for many years to come”, concluded Martin.

SuperValu is a leading foodmarket convenience brand for independent retailers in Northern Ireland providing real food from the heart of Northern Ireland. SuperValu believes in quality local food that is from here and for here, which is why, every year, SuperValu sell in excess of £105 million worth of products from Northern Ireland in its stores; this helps to sustain jobs in local communities across the province.