Local convenience retail brand, Mace, which is owned by Musgrave (NI), has just unveiled its first ever Mace ÔStore of the FutureÕ creating 12 jobs and bringing significant investment to the local economy. Owner Marie is joined by her husband, Paul (right) and Tom Kinnier, Wholesale Sales Manager, Musgrave, to raise a cup of premium coffee, 9 Grams in celebration of the store opening. PIC BY DARREN KIDD/PRESSEYE

LOCAL convenience retail brand, Mace, which is owned by Musgrave (NI), has just unveiled its first ever Mace ‘Store of the Future’ creating 12 jobs and bringing significant investment to the local economy.

One of the store owners, Marie McNeice, claimed that the new store will help to redefine the local convenience market.

“People expect more from their convenience shopping experience and our store is very much in response to that expectation”, said Marie.

 “The location of the store, in Caffrey Court, just off the busy Glen Road in West Belfast, was a strategic move on our part as it is close to a number of schools, businesses, hospital, and due to the large number of residents in the surrounding areas.”

Mace has invested in a number of new features including a fresh and modern visual identity, continued Marie.

“Outside, people will notice that we have made some bold changes to our branding with a new impactful colour palate.

“As the store is brand new, we have been able to fit it out using the latest technology and equipment including environmentally friendly fridges, lighting and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment.”

The owners have also introduced two new food and drink areas, Munch & Co and 9 Grams, which they hope will become destinations in their own right.

Marie said:  “We will continue to offer convenience groceries such as fresh milk, bread and every day essentials for our customers but there is so much more for people to experience at our new store.

“We have a delicious new hot and cold deli, Munch & Co, which features a tasty selection of sandwiches, wraps, baguettes and speciality focaccia bread options filled with fresh meats, cheeses and salad and we have a tempting array of sauces to give your lunchtime a lift.

“As part of our commitment to healthier communities we have an excellent range of salad bowl options that are already proving a hit with customers on a New Year health kick and with local school children.

“Our hot food offering is really varied and our local customers are loving it.

“We have something for everyone including our popular Sunday dinners, tempting breakfast choices for busy tradesman on-the-go, great variety for office workers wanting lunch or local parents looking for convenient evening meal solutions, and all underpinned by a dedication to offering the best quality produce, prepared fresh.

“Our exclusive premium coffee brand, 9 Grams, offers quality coffee every time, making our store a destination for coffee lovers who want expertly prepared coffee in a convenience setting.

“The Grab and Go area in the store includes a range of breakfast and speciality teas together with tasty treats such as doughnuts and pastries.”

Tom Kinnier, Wholesale Sales Manager, Musgrave, said:  “Mace stores offer convenience, quality and exceptional value for all our customers.

“For every shopper there is a ‘Mace Moment’, grabbing a freshly brewed coffee on the go or picking up something tasty for dinner, Mace stores pride themselves on having exactly what you need, when you need it.

“There are over 100 stores across Northern Ireland and we will continue to develop them to ensure all our customers enjoy a quality offering and great value convenience.”