Iceland begins £2m local refurbishment programme

Leading supermarket chain Iceland has commenced a £2 million investment programme throughout its Northern Ireland stores.

The retailer, which has 34 stores and employs over 900 people across the province, is refurbishing 10 stores, commencing with Belfast's Shankill Road premises and culminating in Newtownards in January 2005.

The move follows on from last year's refurbishment of the Doagh Road and Park Centre stores, as well as the opening of the hugely successful Castle Street store in Belfast in September 2003.

The NI programme is an extension of the retailer's UK-wide refurbishment schedule which will be rolled out to a further 150 Great Britain stores this year.

"We have listened and responded to the needs of our Northern Ireland customers in preparation for this major refit programme," said Andy Clarke, Managing Director of Iceland.

"The end result will be new-look stores which will be tailored to the specific needs of their local communities. At some the emphasis will be on fresh and chilled ranges while others will be more orientated towards convenience foods such as sandwiches and ready meals.

"From the layout and facilities of each store to the product range on offer, the over-riding aim of our £2 million investment is to provide the value, range and service our shoppers have come to expect, but with a more convenient and user-friendly approach."

Stores included in Iceland's refurbishment programme for 2004 are: Foyleside in Londonderry, Cregagh Road in Belfast, Lurgan, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Bangor, Magherafelt and Larne.

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