Centra

Centra is a convenience store chain which operates throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The chain is run by Musgrave, the Irish food wholesaler, but the stores are all owned by individual franchisees. The chain has three different formats available to franchisees — smaller Quick Stop outlets, mid-sized Foodmarkets, and larger Supermarkets. The majority of the stores however follow the Quick Stop format (or are simply branded Centra), as Musgrave also offers the SuperValu format, which is geared towards larger supermarkets. There are currently around 458 Centra stores in the Republic of Ireland and 120 in Northern Ireland. In 2002, Centra's turnover was €652.6 million. Centra's main competitors are Gala, Spar and Londis, as well as a number of smaller groups such as Costcutter.