Ballymena retailer Robinson’s has more than doubled in size following a £4 million investment.
The Nisa Extra store on Cullybackey Road has increased its floor space from 11,000sq ft to 26,000sq ft, increasing staff numbers from 65 to 85 employees.
The multimillion pound expansion has enabled the supermarket to develop a manufacturing kitchen onsite for its delicatessen, food-to-go and take-home product ranges.
Store owner Finlay Robinson said the retail business has enjoyed a noticeable increase in shopper footfall since the completion of the project, boosting basket spend and resulting to an overall sales rise of 25%
The investment, backed by finance from Danske Bank, also included state-of-the-art equipment for the deli, self-service tills and pay-at-pump technology for the fuel station.
“We have been serving the local community for many decades and have banked with Danske Bank throughout our whole business journey,” said Mr Robinson.
“Having been through many challenging times as a retail business – like Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis – it is reassuring to know we have the security of Danske Bank to support our business needs and changeable plans.
“The support we have received from Danske Bank’s business banking team has allowed us to bring this long-planned refurbishment to life and offer a better service to our customers.
“As with any large investment, plans often change throughout the process but Danske Bank has been a stable support for both our day-to-day and future business investment plans.”
