Convenience retailer Centra today said sales in its 347 franchised outlets rose by 13 per cent to €850 million last year.
Details of the results for the 12-month period ending December 31st were announced at the group's National Conference in Killarney, Co Kerry.
The group said it had a net increase of 21 stores in last year. The group claims that its rate of expansion will double this year with up to 40 new stores opening.
If this rate of growth is achieved, up to 600 additional staff will be required, the company says. It added that extensions to 50 existing Centra stores is expected to result in an additional 250 jobs being created.
Delegates at the conference were given details of the group's €5 million advertising spend for 2004, which will include a TV campaign.
Based on an average size of 200m2, average turnover in Centra is €46,000 per week.
Franchisees in the group employ an estimated 8,000 people with an additional 1,600 employed by Musgrave SuperValu-Centra in distribution and retail support.