SuperValu in Grange is under new management, but the sense of community spirit between the store and its customers is as strong as ever
SUPERVALU Grange is under new management, but their commitment to serving a community which supports them so well remains unwavering.
The store, first opened in 2008, was acquired by the Kavanagh Group which operates 21 retail units across Ireland and the UK.
The Grange store is managed by Joe Gildea who said he and the group have been made feel very welcome by the local community.
“We got a great welcome here, it is very much the same as Donegal folk. People are lovely here and were very welcoming when I came here and since becoming store manager there has been a lot of goodwill so it is nice to see that level of feedback from customers in a community like this. “It was clear from the start there is a lot of support and respect for the store not only in Grange but we also have customers travelling from Sligo town and Donegal to shop with us as well.”
The support of SuperValu in Grange is no surprise - in addition to the high standards they set out as a supermarket, the store also has a long history of supporting local clubs and groups and Joe said they were eager to continue to strong bond.
“There has to be a balance. The people who ran the store previously were very good for supporting local clubs and charities and the Kavanagh Group was keen to continue this. If a local group comes to us looking for sponsorship we always do our best to support them as much as we can.”
Joe said that feedback from those same customers is also welcomed and encouraged as it allows them to consider changes they can make the improve the shopping experience.
“You always have to move with the times and keep everything fresh. Customers want variety and if there is a product they want on the shelves here we will do our best to get it in. “The more feedback we get, the better. We thrive on that. All feedback we get we use as an opportunity to focus on what is working for us and how we can make the store better, so all feedback is welcome.” In addition to this strong sense of place, SuperValu also enjoys a strong passing trade.
“The passing trade is strong because we are on the main road. You always see those customers come in during the evening when they are heading home whether that be driving from Sligo to Donegal or vice versa.
“Our location certainly helps with that and we are thrilled that so many people are using our store on their commute.”
Ultimately, Joe said the aim of the Kavanagh Group is to provide a supermarket that offers quality produce for a fair price as it is conscious of the impact the cost of living crisis has had on many people.
“We try to be as competitive as we can in terms of prices and we take pride in our fresh produce and supporting local suppliers.
“There are challenges out there for customers so we want to give our customers plenty of reason to keep coming through the doors here and we are very grateful for their continued support.” Kavanagh’s SuperValu Grange is open seven days a week, from 7am until 9pm.