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Mace promise 1,200 new jobs by 2016

Tuesday, March 19 11:28:19

Irish-owned convenience brand Mace has today announced plans to add 100 new stores to its network by 2016 with up to 1,200 new jobs.

The expansion, which will see retail turnover at the group increase by 20pc, was revealed at the MACE Convention, which was attended by over 200 retailers and took place at the Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow.

According to Willie O'Byrne, Managing Director of BWG Foods, operators of MACE, "Our figures show that MACE is outperforming the market and is now the fastest growing brand in Irish convenience retailing. In 2012 we bucked the industry trend by opening 28 new stores, and our new retail strategy is designed to harness that momentum, leading to the creation of more than of 1,200 new jobs in towns and villages right across the country."

"Our partnership with Maxol, renewed last year, has seen the MACE group establish itself as Ireland's largest forecourt symbol brand and our next phase of growth will focus on working with both partners and suppliers to firmly cement MACE in a leadership position in Irish retailing."

The new strategy will also see additional investment in MACE Own-Brand with the company predicting a 20pc increase in the range of own-brand products available in MACE stores this year.

According to Willie O'Byrne, "Significant investment in our fresh and chilled supply chain last year has allowed us to offer a wider range of product options to both our retailers and our end consumers. Demand for high quality, competitively priced own-brand alternatives has never been greater, and the next phase of growth will be in fresh and chilled produce - presenting a real opportunity for local Irish suppliers."