And according to manager Gavin Moran, the whole process of transformation was embarked upon with a focus on changing consumer demands, trends and behaviours.

In an in-depth interview appearing in the newest issue of IFCR, he reveals how Junction 14 has evolved from its original incarnation as a forecourt to a food court with a fuel offering – thanks to in-depth market research.

“We simply asked the customers – what do you want?” Mr Moran says.

“We also asked customers – when you think of Junction 14 what comes to mind? The overwhelming response was coffee. The market research proved that we needed a better coffee offering – so along with the coffee dock, we now have an enhanced new Insomnia barista counter, and coffee available from some of our other concessions.

“Pizza was another big response – hence Papa John’s was added.

“People also said they wanted Mexican, so Zambrero was added to the new brand suite. People said they wanted treats – so that led to Gino’s Gelato, and of course, the deli had always been popular.

“We rebranded it to Mayfield Fare. Of course we still have the full carvery offering, made from our own kitchens.”

The site now includes a new upmarket SPAR with a bright new sitting area, improved toilet facilities, a newly restyled outdoor seating area and garden which is more of a full and spacious plaza.

The children’s play area has been extended and improved and a new instore off licence is in the works.

And yet the fuel offering is still key and innovation top of the agenda, with a new EV charging area alongside the Texaco forecourt.

Junction 14 is the first E-car charging site in Ireland with four super-chargers and two slow chargers.

“We’ve made something very special – a place where everyone involved can feel very proud,” Gavin says.

To find out more, read the full profile in the latest issue of IFCR magazine HERE.

The post Junction 14 has undergone a total transformation appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Deal means Corrib Oil will operate across 54 sites in 16 counties, employing over 1,000 people

Corrib Oil, one of Ireland’s leading service station and oil distribution providers has entered an agreement to acquire H2 Group it was announced today (20th September 21).

While subject to approval by the competition regulator, this deal will see Corrib Oil acquire 13 high quality retail sites based across the south and east of Ireland, expanding the Corrib Retail footprint to 33 stores in total.

The new sites are located in Listowel, Co. Kerry; Kildare; Limerick; Tipperary; Dublin; Laois; Offaly and Cork.

Corrib Oil

Corrib Oil, founded in Claremorris in 1987, operates two distinct divisions, Corrib Retail and Corrib Distribution.

Corrib Retail currently operates 20 convenience stores with forecourts; while Corrib Distribution, a leading distributor of heating oils and fuel, operates through 21 depots across 14 counties.

Having maintained a 22-year relationship with BWG Foods, all Corrib Retail convenience stores are branded as Spar, while all forecourts are branded Circle K or Texaco, with instore partners including Insomnia and Chopped.

The Corrib Distribution business supplies home heating oil, road fuels and lubricants from 21 distribution sites, operating a fleet of 78 road trucks and 69 service vehicles across the country.

On conclusion of the acquisition deal, Corrib will operate across 54 sites in 16 counties in total – 20 Corrib service stations, 21 oil distribution depots and 13 H2 Group retail sites. Currently employing 700 people, the addition of H2 Group to Corrib Oil will bring total employee numbers to over 1,000 people.

H2 Group

Founded in 2004, the H2 Group operates 13 retail sites, 11 service stations and one convenience store, with the thirteenth to open in Kenmare, Co. Kerry next month.

The business operates its service stations under the Texaco and Top brands, while all stores are Spar branded. In store partners include Insomnia, Apache and Subway.

Led by managing director Sean Heaphy, H2 Group currently employs 300 people. Heaphy will join Corrib Oil as a director.

 Comment

Commenting on the deal, Eugene Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, Corrib Oil said that the acquisition of H2 Group is a significant step in the company’s growth strategy, presenting opportunity for both the retail and distribution businesses to develop further.

‘In H2 Group we see great potential and have acquired a network of strong and profitable businesses, led by an expert team. Adding the company’s leading and strategically positioned retail sites to our portfolio expands our presence and our retail footprint across the country, with 54 sites in 16 counties. Our expanded business will have the scale, breadth and capabilities to compete more effectively and offer an enhanced and expanded service to more customers, through our leading brand partners and our home heating and oil services.

‘We look forward to welcoming Sean and the team, and new partners to Corrib Oil and continuing to grow and develop the business together.’

 Sean Heaphy, Managing Director, H2 Group said that the acquisition was a positive development and a great opportunity for both businesses.

‘The merger of both businesses means we’re creating a larger retail group and offering in Ireland and, together with our partner network, can capitalise on this scale for our employees, suppliers and partners. The acquisition is testament to the strong business that our team has built over the past 17 years, and I look forward to working with Eugene and team in further developing the Corrib Oil business.’

In planning for over nine months, the deal was managed by Capnua Corporate Finance.

Concluding, Mr Dalton said that the company ‘continues to explore opportunities for growth.’

The post Corrib Oil acquires H2 Group adding 13 retail sites to its portfolio appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.