The convenience retail group Spar Ireland has announced retail sales of €865 million euro for 2003, up 13 per cent on 2002.
In the same period the group expanded the number of outlets by 35 to 405.
Spar also announced that it plans to open an additional 34 new stores, as well as the refurbishment of 30 of its existing stores this year - creating up to 600 new jobs.
This represents a total investment of €80 million by Spar and its retailers.
Commenting on the results Mr Conor Whelan, Spar Ireland's Managing Director, attributed the increase in retail sales in 2003 to a combination of factors including the expansion of the number of retail outlets and the development of the company's offering
"Our offering now reflects changing tastes, changing lifestyles, a more multi-cultural society and a demand for greater convenience - a trend that looks set to continue," he said.
According to Mr Whelan, the convenience retail market will continue to grow and develop.
