Founded in 1865 by an ancestor of Mr. Barry Collins, Supervalu has grown through 5 generations, from humble beginnings to Ireland’s premier grocery retailing outlet that exists today. Barry Collins followed in his mother’s footsteps in 1963, shortly after that joining the VG franchise headed by Musgraves. The store traded as a VG until 1983 when Barry Collins joined into the new concept of Supervalu, a franchise again headed by Musgraves. In 1999, plans began for the development of the new supermarket. On May 9th, 2000 the new shelves were filled and we began trading in the new premises. On February 14th, 2001 the new shopping centre was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of the city. What started out as a 200sq. ft. shop has now developed into a 60,000sq. ft. shopping complex. COLLINS HISTORY Many of the customers at Collins are known to the staff on a first name basis and with a slow turn-over of personnel and a healthy mixture of ages on staff, the store has remained a welcoming social meeting spot in Carrigaline. David Collins’ family has a long and cherished history as retailers at the heart of this rapidly expanding satellite town. Following a multi-million Euro investment, Collins Supervalu re-invented itself as a 24,000 square foot independently owned supermarket. However, their loyal customers were delighted to find that this family run business is still the friendly shop at the heart of the town they had long known and loved. ‘We have been in this business for over 150 years’ remarks David, ‘40 of those years as part of the Supervalu group. My father Barry Collins, (recipient of those glittering prizes as Retailer of the Year 1999 and 2001) took on the shop in 1964. I’m proud to say that despite a move to these larger premises in the Carrigaline Shopping Centre, we have retained a Supervalu convenience store on the footprint of our original premises beside what is now the largest Supervalu supermarket in Ireland. We are genuinely thrilled to have seen the town literally burgeon up around us here at Collins, and have always enjoyed our role as full and active members of this community.’ The Collins family also operates a number of hotels and public houses in Cork City including the charming Carrigaline Court Hotel.15 retail outlets and the local Post Office are also included in the superb surroundings of the Carrigaline Shopping Centre nestled discreetly on the main street of the town.