Gala Retail invests €300,000 in more choice for shoppers

Delivering choice for consumers will be the central theme at Gala Retail’s annual conference, taking place this evening, Tuesday September 29, at the Malton Hotel in Killarney.

Attended by Gala retailers, Gala CEO, Gary Desmond will be joined by former Rugby International and TV pundit, Brent Pope, to announce the group’s new health and wellness strategy which will deliver more choice for its shoppers – Your Choice with Gala.

The group has pledged to invest over €300,000 in Your Choice with Gala, which includes both in-store activation through an initiative with Unislim Ireland, and a major sponsorship with parkrun Ireland.

Commenting on the six figure investment, Mr Desmond said: “At Gala, we’re all about offering consumers choice and that’s why we’re investing significantly in our new strategy to ensure it really delivers for our shoppers – both in-store and in their lives.

“Research shows that one in ten adults in Ireland are thought to be on a slimming plan with over one in two trying to lose weight.

“Therefore our new product development with Unislim will deliver meal options that are convenient, healthy and don’t compromise on taste for our busy shoppers.”

The Gala healthy choices range with Unislim – Ireland’s longest-established slimming and health organisation – will initially include a range of healthier offerings for Gala’s in-store deli bars that will have a wide-appeal, and will work within Unislim’s meal plans.

Fiona Gratzer, managing director from Unislim added: “Unislim are thrilled to be working with Gala on this exciting and new initiative which is a real opportunity to introduce innovative and exciting healthy options at Gala deli counters.

“Our members lead busy lives and having convenient yet healthy food choices for lunch, endorsed by Unislim, in Gala stores across Ireland will be hugely beneficial.”

The range will be launched in the New Year and over 10,000 Unislim members will be amongst the first to taste Gala’s Healthy Options with Unislim.

In a three-year deal, Gala will become the first commercial sponsor of parkrun Ireland –  the free, weekly, 5km runs that have grown to almost 40 locations nationwide – and of junior parkrun, which is soon to launch.

With almost 70,000 registered parkrunners in Ireland, parkrun Ireland has grown significantly since the first Irish parkrun in Malahide Demense Castle and Gardens on November 10 2012.

It now stretches across 17 counties in Ireland, with three further counties – Donegal, Limerick and Roscommon –  introducing parkruns over the coming months.

Also taking place at the Gala Group’s annual conference will be the Gala B.E.S.T store awards, which saw a host of awards presented to retailers for excellence in convenience retailing.