A super plus for local GAA
December 31, 2008
Londis Plus, Quinn's Superstore is arguably the leading food retail store in Carrickmacross and for this year's edition of the Monaghan Yearbook, we profile the company which also has a thriving SuperValu in Crossmaglen.
Speaking to General Manager Denis Johnston about the Monaghan based shop and its sister outlet SuperValu in Crossmaglen, we learn about the success of this thriving business and its determination to give something back to the local community.
Situated on the Castleblayney road, which is just two minutes off the Carrickmacross bypass, the location of the superstore ensures that they have a large customer base that caters for everyone's needs.
"We have a large free car parking space for our customers and a forecourt for petrol and diesel. Our other company Cloughvalley Hire is also located in Carrickmacross, on the Shercock road. We also have a sister company Quinn's Supervalu who are located in Crossmaglen," revealed Denis.
The shop in Carrickmacross has undergone many changes over the years from when it was first opened in 1970 and today boasts one of the largest retail outlets in the county.
Michael and Brigid Quinn purchased the business in 1988 and they immediately saw they need for a superstore in the town as they set about providing such a service for the people of Carrickmacross.
In 1992, the first of the work took place, but more recently, four years ago in fact, the Londis Plus was added and Damien admitted that this has been a huge success since being opened.
"Since opening in 2004, we have strived to ensure that we give our customers a top quality service at competitive prices and we feel that we have achieved this.
"Our state of the art Londis Plus superstore boasts floor space of 15,500 sq feet. In the store you will find the freshest produce available - fruit and veg, dairy, provisions, meat both raw and cooked etc. Ask any of our friendly and helpful staff any question and we will do our best to assist them. The customer comes first at all times - if we don't have a product we will try our best to get it in.
"Our ambient and grocery departments are laid out in such a way as to facilitate an enjoyable shopping experience. We also boast an attractive off licence with a wide range of wines, spirits and beers to choose to from around the globe to suit everyone's palate.
"Other services available - AIB ATM on site, Lotto, solid fuels, mobile top ups, home ware products, DVD's and local notice board for advertising. We also offer a free home delivery service for the Carrickmacross locality."
Also at the location is the forecourt that is supplied solely by Esso since being opened last year and the volume of traffic passing through has been astounding.
Two years ago, a sister company was opened in Crossmaglen to stem the flow of people going to Newry to do their shopping and Damien admitted that the shop had been doing considerably well since opening its doors to the public.
"The shop in Crossmaglen was developed from a green field site and comprises of a 16,500 sq ft unit and other retail units as well. Here, we get customers from both sides of the border and many Monaghan people would make the trip to Crossmaglen to do their shopping."
Situated just ten minutes from Dundalk and 20 minutes from Newry, SuperValu is ideally located to cater for customers from three or four surrounding counties. And for this reason, Damien admitted that the business does not nail its colours to just one county's colours.
"During the championship, we would have an Armagh and Monaghan flag hanging out of the shop in Crossmaglen. We have staff that comes from both counties, while I myself am a Cavan man, so you can imagine the banter that takes place here at times.
"We feel that it is important to give something back and have been involved in sponsorship with many of the local clubs in one capacity or another. We like to change it around every couple of years, so that everyone gets a chance. However, we are not just confined to the GAA and also sponsor the Tidy Towns here in Crossmaglen.
"Both Monaghan and Armagh have given their supporters plenty to cheer about in recent years and we hope that will continue for some time to come. The GAA is a massive part of our heritage and almost everyone has a connection to it in one way or another.
"That is why we feel that GAA sponsorship is essential for us and it is something that we will continue to do for the foreseeable future as it's a big part of the area in both Carrickmacross and Crossmaglen."
Following heavy investment into both premises, Damien feels that given the current economic climate, they will be consolidating what the have and ensuring that the customer gets what they need.
"We will be concentrating on costs and giving the best deals that we possibly can. We believe that it will be a win/win situation for everyone. As everyone knows, the GAA is one thing that everyone can fall back on, especially for as passionate of people as there are here over Gaelic Football."
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