Tesco officially opens first store in Kilkenny City

Excited shoppers gathered on High Street this morning as Kilkenny City’s new Tesco Express was officially opened.

Mayor of Kilkenny, Andrew McGuinness cut the ribbon to officially open the store alongside manager Colm Cleary and members of staff.

The new Tesco Express employs 19 people and stocks a wide variety of general goods and groceries.

“It will be a great shopping attraction for our High Street,” Mayor McGuinness said.

“It will increase footfall and bring benefit to other shops nearby.

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“It’s great to see so many local employees and it is a very positive development in Kilkenny City. Wishing staff and management the very best.”

Store Manager Colm Cleary told Kilkenny Live that he is excited to welcome customers to the new Tesco store.

“This is a big moment for us in Tesco but particularly here in Kilkenny City,” he said.

“We can’t wait to welcome our new customers, and we really look forward to actively engaging with the community.

“We’re really looking forward to meeting local groups and projects who need our support through the Community Fund over the coming months.”

PICTURE: David Clynch

Customers who shop in Tesco Express High Street will be able to help decide how the outlet’s own cut of the Tesco Community Fund is allocated.

Customers can place the blue token they receive at the checkout in the donation box of the local good cause they would most like to support.

Then, at the end of the 12 weeks, the number of tokens is counted and up to €2,000 is distributed proportionally between three local good causes.

The more tokens a local good cause gets the larger share of the donation they receive.

The three good causes currently vying for support are Clara GAA Club, Newpark Close Family Resource Centre and St John’s National School.

Last November, Tesco opened their first store in County Kilkenny with their Express outlet in Ferrybank.

Until then, Kilkenny was the only county in the Republic of Ireland without a Tesco.

Plans are also currently being considered by Kilkenny County Council for a large Tesco outlet on the old mart site in Kilkenny City.

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