Centra

Centra is a convenience store chain which operates throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The chain is run by Musgrave, the Irish food wholesaler, but the stores are all owned by individual franchisees. The chain has three different formats available to franchisees — smaller Quick Stop outlets, mid-sized Foodmarkets, and larger Supermarkets. The majority of the stores however follow the Quick Stop format (or are simply branded Centra), as Musgrave also offers the SuperValu format, which is geared towards larger supermarkets. There are currently around 458 Centra stores in the Republic of Ireland and 120 in Northern Ireland. In 2002, Centra's turnover was €652.6 million. Centra's main competitors are Gala, Spar and Londis, as well as a number of smaller groups such as Costcutter.

History

The chain was originally launched in the Republic of Ireland as "VG" in 1960. In 1979, the VG chain was rebranded SuperValu with the smaller outlets subsequently rebranded as Centra. The company brought both of these stores to Northern Ireland, the latter through the acquisition and subsequent rebranding of Wellworths stores.

Centra (bus company)

Centra was a bus operator in London and Surrey.

History

In October 2003, Central Parking Systems purchased Thames Bus which operated services in Surrey and around Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

On 27 August 2004, it purchased the assets of Mitcham Belle which included contracts to operate routes 127, 152, 200, 201, 493 and K5 under contract to Transport for London.

In August 2005, the Surrey business was sold to Rotala subsidiary Flights Hallmark. On 19 May 2006, the remaining Transport for London routes ceased and in August 2006 the remaining coach operation was sold to Wiltax.

Operations

London

Centra operated two bus garages: Streatham Road, which operated Mitcham Belle coach operations which also passed into Centra's hands until it closed, and the coach operations moved to a new site on the Willow Lane Industrial Estate, Mitcham which was also going to be used as a bus garage to replace the Beddington garage, and Beddington Mitcham Belle bus operations.

Beddington garage held 53 buses, and ran a number of London Buses routes. It was originally opened by Mitcham Belle; the yard was taken over in 2004 by Central Parking Systems under the Centra name following poor performance and a history of poor public relations. A huge overhaul of buses and other issues was undertaken by Centra; however, despite trying its hardest, it was unable to improve the reliability issues. Some of the drivers that had been taken on from Mitcham Belle were notoriously bad. This led to the loss and subsequent early surrender of route 127 contract to Metrobus.

Centra (disambiguation)

Centra is a chain of convenience stores in Ireland. It may also refer to: