102 jobs are to be lost as retailer Superquinn is set to be rebranded as Supervalu from February next year. Parent firm Musgrave says the move will enable more shoppers to access SuperValu, while incorporating the best of Superquinn.

It says that 2,500 store staff are unaffected. SuperValu will also invest €10 million to refurbish Superquinn stores.

Chris Martin, Musgrave Group CEO, said "Combining our SuperValu and Superquinn stores creates an unrivalled Irish retail brand, enabling shoppers to access SuperValu’s offer nationally, while incorporating the best of Superquinn".

"We understand that some customers will be sad to see the Superquinn name change. However, the decision follows a considered review of all options and is an inevitable next step given the realities of a totally changed grocery market and what the Irish consumer now needs".

As well as the name change, the SuperValu own-brand range will also be introduced consisting of 2,000 products.

The company says a number of Superquinn support functions will be fully integrated with SuperValu. "I regret very much that this decision will impact 102 colleagues at Superquinn’s support office in Lucan who will leave the business over the next eighteen months" commented CEO Martin.

SuperValu has grown by 30% over the last 10 years and achieves annual retail sales of just over €2 billion. It says that the addition of Superquinn will mean 1-in-4 Irish consumers will shop at the expanded network of 222 stores.

Superquinn has also said today that all of its best-known products will remain the same.

@annemccoy Products like the Superquinn sausage, Superquinn steak, Sean’s brown bread and our fantastic bakery products will all remain.

— Superquinn (@superquinn_ie) August 7, 2013

Edel Clancy is Director of Communications with Musgraves. She says it is hoped staff can be re-deployed throughout the company.