Hughes’ SuperValu in Claregalway has unveiled its new look today after a €1.2 million investment in the revamped supermarket.
The Hughes are a fixture of life in Claregalway, catering to the needs of the community for four generations now.
n 1929, Mary (Egan) Hughes took over Claregalway Post Office, which later expanded into a local shop which grew steadily with the community adding homeware, hardware and bicycles in the 1980s.
In the 2000s, Eva and Mary Hughes become the fourth generation to join the business alongside Martin and Jimmy.
Together they hope this latest investment will ensure that Hughes’ SuperValu will be around for many more years to come.
Hughes’ SuperValu Claregalway will employ more than 80 people and is set to offer an extended range of top-quality produce across a new premium delicatessen, along with a new cheesemonger counter, new look deli, meat counter and Off Licence.
The store will also have an enhanced fresh food offering with a new focus on convenience foods, quality meat, organic produce, plant based options including a new Happy Pear section and a Taste of Local area to continue to support local suppliers.
Commenting on the launch of the new store, owner Eva Hughes said, “My great-grandmother opened this store 93 years ago and we are so proud to be able to build on her legacy.”
“We are delighted to be opening our new-look store today after significant investment and much hard work from the team.”
“The new state-of-the-art store will offer our customers lots of new ranges including new, excellent quality convenience meal solutions for busy individuals and families, an expanded produce department with lots more choice at great prices and of course our top quality meat and prepared by our butcher ranges in its new look home.”
The revamp of the store has included extensive investment in environmentally conscious improvements that will reduce energy consumption.
This has included €300,000 spent on 519 LED lighting fixtures, and ten new refrigeration units with lower carbon emissions.
Eva Hughes said, “We believe in making communities better by caring for our environment, so we are particularly proud of all the sustainable technologies implemented throughout the new store and more to come.”
“As a community retailer we take great pride in making a lasting positive impact in the local community.”
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our loyal customers who continue to support us, and we are really looking forward to sharing our new-look store.”
In addition to the goods already available, the new store will place a strong emphasis on fresh produce from local suppliers with 75 per cent of goods being sourced in Ireland.
