Albert Gubay, the Welsh businessman whose '3 Guys' venture was the first to introduce the limited assortment discounter concept to Ireland back in the 1970s, has died at the age of 87. Gubay, who was also behind successful business ventures such as Kwik Save and Total Fitness, sold his 49% stake in 3 Guys to Tesco in 1979, paving the way for the British grocer's first entry into Ireland. Renowned as a somewhat ruthless businessman, Checkout said of Gubay in 1979: "What has he contributed to the Irish grocery scene? This is a difficult question to answer. His limited-assortment discounting has met with limited success. His prices have been exceptionally low. His leaving of the grocery scene will not cause too many regrets, and it is unlikely that his competitors will turn out at Dublin Airport to wish him bon voyage."
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald told RTE last week that she would not be relaxing the Good Friday alcohol ban for this year’s 1916 commemorations. Chief Executive of the Licensed Vintners Assocation, Donall O’Keefe has expressed disappointment at the news, calling it “a lost opportunity not just for publicans, but for the capital city and the tourist sector as a whole”.
Recruiting firm Accenture has announced the creation of 250 new jobs in Ireland, which is set to rise to 450 by the end of its fiscal year. This figure will be comprised of 250 jobs across its Irish business, and 200 for its new Centre of Innovation in Dublin, says BusinessWorld.ie.
Butlers Chocolates has unveiled its St Valentine’s Day 2016 Collection, featuring the Keepsake Velvet Heart Box available in two sizes, large (235g, with a RRP of €16.00) and small (105g for €8.50), both filled with an assortment of chocolates. Also in the range are keepsake tins of either 240g for €14.00 or 162g for €7.00.
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has condemned the current commercial rates system after a SuperValu in Clonmel announced its closure. Deputy McGrath called the system “unfair” and “unsustainable”, complaining that he had been told that there could be no changes to the rates systems until at least 2017, TippTatler.ie reported.
O’Brien Fine Foods has announced a €14-million investment in its ham processing plant in Kildare, writes RTÉ.ie. The expansion will create 40 new jobs at the site, with another 150 jobs created in the construction phase. Also, the Digital Marketing Institute has announced the introduction of 34 new jobs as it develops its sales, operating and marketing divisions.
A lottery ticket worth €250,000 that was bought in Lettermore, Co. Galway is yet to be claimed, reports The Connacht Tribune. The local Centra received a notification that one of its customers had won the Lotto Plus 2 prize on the 9th of January, but so far nobody has come forward with the lucky ticket.
Tedcastle Oil Products (Top) is closing in on a €12 million deal to buy the forecourts business of Sirio Retail, according to The Sunday Times. Sirio Retail operates ten service stations, eight of which are Top franchisees, having bought the former Tougher’s Oil from examinership in February 2013. The deal is subject to clearance by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine
