RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 20106

Top-of-the-league customer service, a commitment to innovation – changing their lines to suit the times – and embracing online technologies,

are just some of the traits shared by many of the stores that were named among Ireland’s best at the Retail Excellence Ireland awards in Galway last night.

With over 400 store entries from across the country, the rigorous selection process

Ireland’s Top Shops

1. WINNER!Irish Retail Store of the Year 2010 & Best Medium StoreO’Briens Wines, Beer & Spirits

97 Sandymount Road, Dublin 4Tel: (01) 668 2096Web: www.obrienswine.ie

O’Briens Wines is a very well-known Irish brand, and Sandymount manager Kevin Ralph and his team have been established in the village a long time. It was the sixth store opened in the history of the group.

“The store is a fi ne example of what O’Briens is all about,” says Jim Dignam, O’Briens’ commercial director.

‘Home entertainment’ has always been what O’Briens catered to, so it is surely appropriate that, in an era when more and more of us are entertaining at home – eating in with a fi ne bottle of wine – an O’Briens store has emerged number one.

As well as belonging to a respected brand, the Sandymount branch has a real local character – it is a part of the community. Ralph is a local man and the locals trust him and his staff to give them the best value and the best recommendations, for a candlelit romantic dinner, a girls’ night in, or whatever takes the customer’s fancy.

The Sandymount team have added their own look and feel to the store through their wine notes and whole presentation. The store itself is one of the mid-size branches, with some 400-500 wines

from O’Briens’ rotating selection.“It’s an excellent representation of

the range we have,” says Dignam.The store’s importance to the group

was recognised when it was among the fi rst to get the new signage and look when O’Briens recently rebranded.

In a market which remains stiff with competition, the Sandymount team have managed to stand out as offering something that can’t be found everywhere.

O’Briens has an excellent loyalty card scheme, but, says Dignam, “it’s the staff on the ground who really drive loyalty and keep people coming back.

“In Sandymount, they go the extra mile in terms of their expertise, friendliness and enthusiasm, and that’s especially important in a village setting.”

Commenting on O’Briens Wines, Beer & Spirits Sandymount being selected as Ireland’s top store, Retail Excellence Ireland chief executive David Fitzsimons said, “It is heartening to see O’Briens do so well in this competition. They are a great Irish company who invest passion and thought into how they retail products and serve customers.

“O’Briens have stiff competition especially from the grocery multiples, but through investment in design, display, service and credible wine knowledge, the company continues to thrive.”

for the top stores involved a mystery customer visiting each store to complete a full report, a fully trained retail assessor then conducted a thorough store assessment, which, added to photographic and video evidence, resulted in the selection of the Top50 stores in Ireland.

Ben Murnane takes a look at Ireland’s Top30 Stores, the cream of the crop, beginning with the top fi ve stores in the country – the winners in each category.

RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 2010 7

Butlers Chocolate Café

4 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1Tel: (01) 878 3402Web: www.butlerschocolates.com

Mention the name ‘Butlers Chocolates’ and it is always met with a smile. The brand commands such loyalty because it brings so many little pleasures into customers’ lives.

Established in 2007, the Butlers Chocolate Café on Liffey Street is one of the newest of 14 Butlers cafes in Ireland. The fi rst opened in 1998. In that sense, this store is the benefi ciary of all the knowledge gained in the setting up of the other stores, according to Michelle McBride, retail director of Butlers.

“The design process is evolutionary and with every store you learn something,” she says.

Without the footfall of locations like Grafton Street and Henry Street, customer loyalty is all the more important in Liffey Street. “A huge part of our business is people making repeat purchases,” says McBride.

“Others have gone down the route of meal deals and special offers, but we’ve chosen to focus on quality, standards and service. We’ve stepped up our staff training and improved even more the standard of our coffee.

“People will spend if you are offering them something good.”

The Liffey Street store also benefi ts from the tourist trade, as it’s near the Ha’penny Bridge and visitors pop in as they make their way around the city.

The attractive cafe is one of the mid-size branches, with a great team and the full Butlers Café offering, including sandwiches and cakes.

With loyalty so important to the brand, Butlers has just rolled out a new loyalty card scheme for all their cafes, “to give something back to our customers”, says McBride.

And no doubt to keep them smiling too.

Donnybrook Fair

89 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4Tel: (01) 668 3556Web: www.donnybrookfair.ie

Donnybrook Fair opened 10 years ago and still embodies the vision of owner Joe Doyle.

“Joe had this vision of a fi ne food emporium,” says Lorcan Hand, manager of the Morehampton Road store. “Donnybrook Fair is all about having the freshest of the fresh, premium lines and unique products that might be hard to fi nd anywhere else.

“We have all your everyday items but we also cater for those who want gluten-free products, for coeliacs and vegetarians. It’s about having options for everyone.”

Donnybrook Fair has expanded to two other stores, one on Baggot Street and the other in Greystones, Co Wicklow, but the original of the species remains the fl agship and a trend-setter.

Donnybrook Fair’s ready-meals are produced in-house and the store’s deli foods are prepared by their own chefs.

Value on the best brands is a huge part of the store’s ethos. Recent offers have included their ‘3 for €12’ meat range from the butchers’ department; and a starter, main course, side and dessert for €12.99.

A pleasant, full-service shopping experience is also a big part of what Donnybrook Fair offers. They have designed their own customer-service training programme, which every staff member receives, and it really shows in the level of staff commitment and the fl oor staff’s enthusiastic friendliness.

“At the end of the day, the customer pays all our wages. Going the extra mile for customers is important to us – if it’s raining, you go outside with an umbrella. You bring the bags to the car for them if they need it.

“The response we’ve got is phenomenal,” Hand concludes. “If you have service and quality, people will say, ‘It is a premium store, but look at what I’m getting for it’.”

Portwest

25 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2Tel: (01) 675 1800Web: www.portwest.ie

Outdoor clothing retailer Portwest’s new Dublin store has been a big draw with customers since it opened over the May bank holiday weekend.

Whether you’re into hill-walking, climbing, running, triathlon, surfi ng or kayaking, or even if you just want a pair of waterproof trousers for riding your bike, or a rain jacket for walking around town, you will fi nd something here.

“We’re very price-conscious,” says Andrea Byrne, manager of the store, “and we cater to everyone.”

Retail is a relatively new venture for the Portwest. Founded in Westport in 1904, the company is long-established as a manufacturer and wholesaler, synonymous with quality outdoor gear. The Dublin store is the newest retail outlet, with others in Westport and Galway.

The store stocks both Portwest’s own brand and well-known brands like Berghaus, Columbia and Quiksilver, and major discounts are offered to groups, student clubs and societies. The shop has also been hosting events like student nights with special discounts.

The popularity of outdoor adventuring continues to grow in Ireland, says Andrea. As hobbies go, it’s fairly cheap to take up.

“Whether it’s surfi ng or running or whatever, if you come in and pick up the right products for the right price, there’s not much more you have to spend on the sport afterwards – you have the initial investment and that’s it.”

Portwest’s Dublin store itself is fantastically eye-catching, with its fl oor-to-ceiling glass front, and quirky features like the climbing wall at the back and a ‘pineapple feature’ in the centre to hold surfboards.

“A lot of investment was put in and I think it’s really paid off,” says Andrea.

With more Irish people than ever into adventure sports, or taking up running or triathlon, Portwest’s success is set to continue.

TileStyle

Ballymount Retail Centre, Dublin 24Tel: (01) 855 7471Web: www.tilestyle.ie

TileStyle is Europe’s largest tile and stone showroom, and still an Irish family business, developed over the last three decades into a powerful brand on the basis of quality products, the fi nest customer service and excellent value.

TileStyle moved from Dublin city centre back to Ballymount in 2008, and is now located less than 200 metres from where the business was originally founded, with easy access from the M50.

“There was huge emotional signifi cance to the move,” says managing director JP Kennedy, “as well as making us accessible from all parts of Dublin and the surrounding areas of Leinster.”

The showroom encompasses some 50,000sqft, with over 1,500 tile displays from the four corners of the globe – stylish, creative and exclusive tiles of all kinds for both outdoors and indoors. The showroom’s design means you can really see what the styles would look like in your own home.

“People aren’t necessarily looking to trade up anymore,” says Kennedy, “but they are looking to create a pleasant, comfortable home for a reasonable price, and that’s what we aim to provide. Maybe the kids are leaving home and you want to create a different environment, maybe it’s been six or seven years since work was done on the house and something new would really brighten things up.”

TileStyle are undisputed experts at their core business – “Everything there is to know about tiles, we know it!” laughs Kennedy – but the company has also been diversifying to offer more on the home-improvement front.

A new wood fl ooring showroom has been introduced, “which has been a huge success,” says Kennedy. A new bathroom showroom is set to launch next year.

“Our customers are rightly becoming more demanding,” says Kennedy, “and we want to offer them what they expect.”

2. WINNER!Best Superstore

3. WINNER!Best Large Store

4. WINNER!Best Xtra Large Store

5. WINNER!Best Small Store

RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 20108

The Runners UpStore of the Year:

Mood Media

Mood Media is the single largest provider of in-store marketing solutions in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, and the sponsor of this year’s Best Small Store category.

Mood Media will build a music channel that suits each retailer’s environment, and likewise with digital signage and scent solutions. A major plus for retailers is that they can also avail of Mood Media’s rights-included music channel, which can save retailers thousands of euro on music licensing fees.

“Our aim is to help retailers improve the customer experience and keep customers coming back,” says John Sheehan, managing director for Ireland.

Mood Media’s Irish client list includes

Best Small StoreAlchemist Earth

10 Sarsfi eld Street, LimerickTel: (061) 404 218Web: www.naturalskincare.ie

Struck by the lack of chemical-free skincare products in Ireland, Michaela Maguire opened Alchemist Earth with the aim of it becoming the country’s largest natural-organic skincare emporium.

The products are showcased worldwide through the boutique’s superb website, and the list includes celebrity favourites. Alchemist Earth has evidently fulfi lled a need.

“It brings me such joy when someone comes in and says a skin complaint they’ve had for years has cleared up thanks to one of our products,” says Maguire.

Maguire wanted the store to be

Daintree Paper

61 Camden Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 475 7500 Web: www.daintree.ie

Paul Barnes began making and selling paper in Dublin in the mid-1990s – his store celebrated its fi fteenth birthday this year.

Daintree Paper sells an amazing selection of handmade papers and stationery from all across the world. One of the store’s paper-sources is a very old Italian mill, “where I think Michelangelo bought his paper!” Barnes laughs. So Daintree follows in a long and proud tradition.

All Daintree’s paper is shipped in, not fl own, part of the store’s eco-friendly ethos.

Daintree specialises in supplying fi ne materials to make your own wedding invitations, or invitations of any kind. They also offer a printing service, and pride themselves on working with customers’ own ideas to create something truly special for those important dates.

Daintree is housed in an award-winning eco-friendly building, and even has a cafe onsite.

Il Valentino

5 Gallery Quay, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2Tel: (01) 633 1100Web: www.ilvalentino.ie

St Valentine is an Italian saint whose relics lie in Dublin. That connection, the romance of good food, and a play on his Italian wife’s name, Valentina, are the inspiration behind the name of Owen Doorly’s store, ‘Il Valentino’.

“Our aim is to do the best breads, pastries and coffee in Dublin,” claims Doorly.

Located in the international hub that is Dublin’s Docklands, classy Il Valentino does a roaring trade among the diverse mix of cultures that live and work in the area.

The store has three bakers working at night, and two pastry chefs and another baker by day.

Il Valentino has something different every week if not every day; their treats are seasonal, satisfyingly delicious but not overly fi lling.

“The best reward in our job – besides paying the mortgage! – is the smile on the customer’s face,” says Doorly.

Lamber de Bie Flowers

Ormonde Street, Kilkenny Tel: (056) 777 0161 Web: www.lamberdebie.com

Holland native Lamber de Bie studied creative design and fl oristry for nine years before being named a Dutch Master Florist, and setting up his fi rst store in Waterford 10 years ago.

When Lamber opened here, Ireland was way behind the Dutch level of fl oristry, yet he opted for a modern approach to selling fl owers, “that even in Holland at the time would have been quite progressive. It was so new and people really embraced it.”

The Kilkenny store – a previous Best Small Store winner – always has dramatic, vivid window displays and friendly and helpful staff, with a personal feel.

It’s excellently located just off the high street and opposite two of the town’s bigger hotels.

The fi nest quality fl owers for any occasion, and attention to detail, are the hallmarks of Lamber de Bie. Every purchase, even if it’s only a single rose, is giftwrapped. Time is spent on every customer’s needs, especially for events like weddings.

McArdle Meats

Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas, Dublin 15Tel: (01) 850 3834Web: www.mcardlemeats.com

Originally hailing from Dundalk, award-winning McArdle Meats has been open in Charlestown Shopping Centre since 2008.

The store is compact, convenient and jam-packed full of dinner ideas, and locals often pop in just for a chat with the butchers.

“The idea behind McArdle’s is quality at great value,” says Keith Shortt, owner and manager of the chain. Customers’ modern lifestyles are at the core of McArdle’s innovative ideas.

You can buy a chicken in a cooking bag which holds the juices, with a pop-up timer so you know when it’s done. McArdle’s has its own range of superior microwavable dinners.

Their health-conscious range of lower-fat burgers, sausages and more is a big seller, according to Shortt.

There’s always a promotion at McArdle’s, and their loyalty scheme really rewards customers. You can also shop online and have your meat delivered the next day.

about beauty as well as health, and to be “hip, not hippy” as she puts it.

This is refl ected in the boutique’s classy feel, with a cream interior, chandeliers and background music. There are testers so you can try before you buy, and the expert staff always make you feel at ease.

Sponsor Profi le:

some 2,500 retail outlets, 75 per cent of whom would be REI members, and what they offer above others is the scale of their global experience, tailored perfectly to meet the needs of each retailer, whether part of a chain or independent.

Visit the website at www.moodmedia.ie or call (01) 284 7244

RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 2010 9Runners Up – Best Medium Store

Corry’s Foodhall & Café

Station Road, Loughrea, Co GalwayTel: (091) 841 109Email: declan@corrysfoodhall.ie

Moving to his new site in 2008, award-winning craft butcher Declan Corry’s aim was to establish a store with the convenience and accessibility of a supermarket, but with the focus on homemade products.

Fine foods for any meal can be found at this supremely spacious emporium, from homemade breads and cakes to market fruit and veg, to cheeses and wines, and of course Corry’s celebrated meats.

As well as ample parking, the new space has all the preparation facilities Corry could want.

“We’re farmers ourselves and we raise most of the stock ourselves,” he says. “We butcher the meat ourselves and have a restaurant onsite, so we can literally bring our meats from farm to fork.”

Corry’s have seen great success with their convenient pre-packed meat range – easy, quality dinners for busy lives – and their new customer loyalty scheme has also been a hit.

DocMorris Pharmacy

282 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6Tel: (01) 497 0750Web: www.docmorris.ie

2009 winner of the REI Best Small Store award, DocMorris in Rathmines is a new concept for pharmacy in Ireland.

Cormac Tobin, managing director of Unicarepharmacy and DocMorris, terms it a ‘hardcore pharmacy’. Anything not related to the core business – such as the jewellery and other incidental products that many pharmacies sell – have been stripped away.

The size of traditional pharmacy categories has been doubled, with sections like Sleep & Relax, a specialised Diabetic category, a Lip Care section.

You can enjoy services like cholesterol testing and diabetes screening, at low prices and with rapid results.

Excellence in advice and service – and value – are to the fore within this leading store.

“Part of helping people live healthier lives is to offer them value for money and make products more accessible and easier to buy,” says Tobin.

“We’ve been bowled over by customers’ reaction to what we’ve done.”

Hugh Maguire Craft Butchers

Ashbourne Shopping Centre, Co MeathTel: (01) 849 9919Email: hughmaguirebutchers@eircom.net

For renowned craft butcher Hugh Maguire, promoting local and Irish produce is vital, with an emphasis on naturally produced food and guaranteed traceability.

“I was raised on a farm in Co Meath, where I learned the importance of the husbandry of animals, from my father,” says Maguire.

Both Hugh and his brother William are supremely knowledgeable about all things meat, and always happy to share that knowledge with customers.

Maguire has received countless awards, including a Euro-toques award for his black pudding; he has been a Bridgestone Guide award winner every year from 2005 to 2010.

The Ashbourne shop has increased its footfall in recent times – people are turning to craft butchers to buy quality food to serve at home, Maguire says, whereas before they might have gone to a restaurant.

“If you want the very best of food, come to a butcher shop,” is his mantra.

Molloy’s Fine Foods

Abbeytown, RoscommonTel: (090) 662 5941Web: www.molloysbakery.ie

Molloy’s is a real destination for those in search of great bread, with regular customers travelling from well beyond Roscommon town.

As well as their famed bread and cakes, Molloys stock everything from organic cheeses and olives to honey, wine, pasta and fi ne chocolates.

That said this is still very much a local store, with an abundant selection of local produce.

Molloy’s shop itself is also uniquely designed, including a wonderful pathway that winds its way down from the front door to the coffee shop at the back.

“People talk about location, location, location – but I have three P’s: passion, pride and product,” says Declan Molloy.

“We’ve great passion for our business. We have great pride in our staff and the atmosphere in the store. And we’re very proud of our products.”

O2

87 Grafton Street, Dublin 2Tel: (01) 670 5577Web: www.o2online.ie

The Irish mobile phone and technology market is seriously competitive. What marks out O2 on Grafton Street?

The shop’s enthusiastic, ever-helpful and informed staff are certainly a plus.

A browse around the bright store is always a pleasant experience. With two fl oors, there’s plenty of space to wander in the relaxed environment, and gaze longingly at the iPhones, Sony Ericssons, Samsungs… The store won Store of the Year in O2’s internal awards last year.

O2 is diversifying as a business – no longer strictly about mobiles, they also do broadband, laptops and more.

It’s an exciting sector to work in, says store manager Emma Fitzpatrick, with changing technologies and customer habits. “There’s always something new coming down the line.”

Part of helping people live healthier lives is to offer them value for money and make products more accessible and easier to buy – Cormac Tobin

RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 201010Runners Up – Best Large Store

Carraig Donn

MacDonagh Junction, KilkennyTel: (056) 771 2566Web: www.carraigdonn.com

Historically identifi ed with traditional knitwear and products aimed at a tourist market, in recent times Carraig Donn has been evolving into a retailer very much focussed on the domestic consumer and the modern Irish lifestyle.

“It’s the mix of products that I think appeals to people,” says Anne Harrison, head of retail buying.

With branded fashion, giftware, jewellery and an extensive range of accessories – carrying both iconic brands and their own brands, “Whether you’re 20 or 60, you’ll fi nd something.”

At MacDonagh Junction, Carraig Donn’s range is offered on one level – which has proven popular with customers – and the store exemplifi es the company’s new image, with beautiful natural-tone colour schemes.

The MacDonagh Junction store is “undoubtedly one of our fl agships”, in a great location with a great team, says Harrison.

Howards Storage World

The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18Tel: (01) 294 8003Web: www.hsw.ie

Howards Storage World in Carrickmines has only been open since 2008, but already customers are travelling from all over Ireland.

“The response has been phenomenal,” comments Olive Donovan, owner and managing director.

Howards provides innovative storage solutions for home and offi ce, with over 3,500 products available – whether you need a solution for bathroom clutter, an over-packed wardrobe, storing the kids’ toys or anything else, you will fi nd it here.

Some 60 to 70 per cent of what’s offered can’t be found in any other retail store in Ireland.

Customers have also fl ocked to HSW’s award-winning website. And though this is the fi rst HSW in Ireland, expansion is defi nitely on the cards.

“We like to think we are synonymous with the term ‘organised living’!” says Olive.

The store itself matches the ethos of the solutions offered – a perfectly organised shop, with a warm, friendly ambiance and staff.

PC World

Jervis Shopping Centre, Dublin 1Tel: (01) 878 1515Web: www.pcworld.ie

Although smaller than many of the company’s other stores, the Jervis Centre PC World is considered a fl agship. Successful ideas have been trialled here and then rolled out across Ireland.

The store’s ‘play tables’, for example, allow you to interact with the laptops and cameras, getting a real feel for them before buying.

“We’ve tried to put the customer at the centre of everything we do,” says store manager Ken Flynn.

In the run-up to Christmas last year, the store had the highest turnover of any branch in the UK and Ireland. It was also one of the fi rst stores in Dublin to launch the iPad this year.

With a huge array of household-name brands, over 100 laptops and netbooks, 50 cameras and nearly 50 TV models in store, customers continue to fl ock to PC World in the Jervis Centre.

The Kilkenny Shop

14 Emmet Place, CorkTel: (021) 422 6703Web: www.kilkennyshop.com

Opposite the Cork Opera House since 2007, the Kilkenny Shop at Emmet Place has undergone an impressive revamp in the last few months.

Kilkenny is known for promoting Irish design and craftsmanship, a commitment which has endured through the decades.

Kilkenny in Cork boasts an extensive selection of jewellery, accessories, crafts and giftware, with brands like Orla Kiely and John Rocha.

“People are more conscious now than ever about where what they buy is coming from,” says Greg O’Gorman, marketing director with Kilkenny, “so our allegiance to ‘brand Ireland’ is important.”

O’Gorman also sees the Kilkenny’s website as a crucial factor in its recent success – people can browse from home and come into the store knowing what they want.

The Cork store attracts women of all ages, and has been on the money when it comes to offering customers stylish design at prices that suit their pockets.

Mulligans Pharmacy

Summerhill Centre, Tramore, Co WaterfordTel: (051) 338 550Web: www.mulliganschemist.com

Mulligans’ newest of 14 stores in the southeast is an evolution of all they’ve learned since their fi rst pharmacy opened in 1957.

The store is adjacent to Tramore town centre and a response to the development of the town.

“Customers are looking for a new pharmacy experience,” says Ronan Mulligan, managing director. The new store certainly caters for that, and is the largest to date at 2,700sqft.

With a warm ambience, and fl owing seamlessly from one section to the next, the store’s innovative features include a beauty salon, a teeth-whitening service and a children’s play area in the centre, so mum and dad can browse without hassle.

“Our aim is to deliver health and wellness in a holistic surrounding,” concludes Ronan, “with products, advice and services that make sense to people.”

We like to think we are synonymous with the term ‘organised living’! – Olive Donovan

RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 2010 11GSLS

GSLS, “Supplier of the Year 2009”, is the leading Irish provider of cash logistic solutions on the island and the company is delighted to sponsor the Best Xtra Large Store category.

GSLS differentiate themselves through combining outstanding service with low-cost solutions.

Not only do GSLS provide a cash collection service, they aim to reduce the retailer’s costs with value-added services. These services include cash processing and banking, coin and small note supply, and are found invaluable by many multi-site retailers.

As a key supplier to the retailer, GSLS understand the importance of being there when you need them, and so the company operates seven days a week, covering all areas of the country both North and South.

The greatest tribute that any company can receive is from its customers. GSLS therefore considered it a huge honour to be named the “REI Supplier of the year” 2009.

Runners Up – Best Xtra Large StoreChampion Sports

Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14 Tel: (01) 685 2250 Web: www.champion.ie

Champion Sports is Ireland’s leading sports clothing retailer, with 23 stores in prime locations – catering for men, women and kids with top brands like Nike, Adidas, Asics, Lacoste and Puma.

In Dundrum, says Champion Sports operations director Bryan Carroll, the emphasis is on sports fashion – with the ladieswear department leading you into the store, and a larger selection for women than in many of their other locations.

Champion Sports Dundrum has grown its business year on year for the last fi ve years.

The 8,000sqft store really is a fl agship for the group, with the highest spec fi t-out of all their stores, and exceptionally high standards of merchandising and displays. “It always looks the sharpest in the group every day,” says Carroll.

“We use it as a trial and a test store for new merchandise. In Dundrum we stretch the boundaries in terms of everything that we do.”

Instore

29 Spruce Avenue, Stillorgan Industrial Park, DublinTel: (01) 681 4444Web: www.instore.ie

Last year’s Retail Store of the Year has performed exceptionally well again this year.

“Our philosophy is simple,” says Instore’s founder and CEO Oliver Maloney. “When someone comes through the door, they’re met with a smile, from a knowledgeable and well-presented member of staff.”

Of Instore’s six furniture stores nationwide, the Dublin branch has consistently stood out.

The store design is exceptional, with natural-stone decor and a great vantage point from Instore’s own cafe upstairs, overlooking the shop.

The store is laid out with the customer in mind, with simple things like having the toilets on the ground fl oor inside the door, so you don’t feel intimidated coming in to use the restroom.

Instore sources its furniture – from French and Oriental designs to contemporary Irish ranges – from the manufacturers, allowing them to offer great prices and exclusive products.

Orchard Home & Garden

Dublin Road, Celbridge, Co KildareTel: (01) 628 8903Web: www.theorchard.ie

Orchard has grown into a true lifestyle destination, conveniently located 10 minutes from Liffey Valley shopping centre and between the leafy suburbs of Celbridge, Maynooth and Lucan.

The centre is adored by many, with some coming every day to the 200-seater restaurant or just to browse the beautifully crafted site. The centre is always buzzing and packed with great garden ideas.

Recent redevelopment means Orchard is at the peak of its 23-year history. It won Garden Centre of the Year at this year’s Bord Bia Quality Awards.

The range of plants and garden-living accessories is stunning, and the expert and welcoming team frequently travel the world to ensure they can bring back something different for customers.

“Quality and style for value is our motto,” remarks owner Gerry Dooley.

Pamela Scott

Bedford Row, LimerickTel: (061) 774 380Web: www.pamelascott.ie

Irish fashion retailer Pamela Scott’s Limerick store opened in 2008, with 7,000sqft over three fl oors.

“The store is state-of-the-art. No money was spared doing it up, and it’s now one of the major Pamela Scott stores outside of Dublin,” says Catherine Meaney, manager of the shop.

Pamela Scott stocks clothes for women of every shape and size, with a full range of stylish accessories too.

There is something fashionable and affordable for every occasion. “No matter where you need to go, we can take you there in style,” says Meaney.

The brand has thrived by being fl exible with the lines it carries, bringing in something new every couple of weeks, with a commitment to fashion for every budget.

The Limerick store exemplifi es the brand, with fantastic staff, eye-grabbing window displays, a warm atmosphere, and frequent special offers.

Weir & Sons Jewellers

96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin 2Tel: (01) 677 9678Web: www.weirandsons.ie

Founded in 1869, Weir & Sons has been a part of Dublin life since then.

This year, the iconic Grafton Street store underwent an extensive refi t, restoring and enhancing original features.

“The refurbishment was very much focussed on the customer, creating the right atmosphere and environment,” says Chris Anders, marketing director.

“Our philosophy is to offer the best quality products at the best prices we can”.

“We have an open-door policy because we don’t want people to feel intimidated. Whether you are buying a €27 Casio or a Patek Philippe, we try and treat all our customers the same.”

Weirs specialise in watches, jewellery, silver, china and glass. The store has a leather department and a service department for repairing jewellery and watches.

Weirs offer specialist watch advice and are always happy to help you pick the perfect gift for a loved one.

Sponsor Profi le:

RETAIL EXCELLENCE IRELAND AWARDS 201012

The Loop at Dublin Airport

Dublin AirportTel: (01) 814 5735Web: www.theloop.ie

Airport shopping can be a hectic experience, with travellers having only a few minutes to grab what they need.

The aim of The Loop, says Dublin Airport Authority’s commercial director Jack MacGowan, was to take the pressure off customers. The Loop moves seamlessly between three zones. The fi rst, just beyond security, is for essentials like paracetamol or a bottle of water. The second is for luxury and indulgence, with top-brand unbeatably priced cosmetics, perfumes and liquors. The third, just before the gates, is for those last-minute items.

The Loop’s shop and collect service has been a massive success. You can buy what you want on your way abroad, and pick up your purchases on the way home. You’ll even receive a text when you arrive back at the airport to remind you to collect your purchases.

MacGowan quotes DAA’s retail director Paul Neeson. “Our best shoppers walk away empty-handed – in other words they’ve shopped, and are going to collect.”

Runners Up – Best Superstore

Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre

Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge, Co CarlowTel: (059) 972 1558Web: www.arboretum.ie

Set up over 30 years ago, Arboretum is Ireland’s fi rst ever Bord Bia Five Star Garden Centre, but it’s also much more than a garden centre.

The 10-acre site sells plants and fl owers of all kinds, but also giftware, homeware, garden furniture and even pets.

“We want to be a fabulous family destination,” says Fergal Doyle, one of the directors in the family business.

Arboretum’s display gardens, the Inspirational Gardens, show beautiful colour all year round. A relaxing walk here has become a big draw with tourists, and you can really get a sense of how the various plants and colour combinations would work in your own garden.

Whether you want a single, nice low-maintenance plant or a fully customised garden, Arboretum caters for all. Attention to detail and expertise are the hallmarks here.

“We like to think people go home happier after a visit. That’s our goal,” says Doyle.

Debenhams

Mahon Point Shopping Centre, CorkTel: 1890 946 779Web: www.debenhams.ie

Debenhams’ Mahon Point store has topped the company’s internal benchmarking system for the Republic of Ireland, for the past three years.

The massive department store has everything from full-service menswear, women’s wear and children’s wear departments, to stylish accessories, cosmetics and designer homeware, and unique features such as a beauty room offering facials and other treatments.

The store offers a complimentary personal shopper service. You can make an appointment without any obligation to buy, and get the best advice on completing your look.

Every department always looks terrifi c – with a visual team dedicated to creating exciting window- and in-store displays, so you can check out the latest trends.

When it comes to looking after the customer, nothing short of excellence will do, says store manager Joe O’Leary.

“We treat every customer as we’d expected to be treated ourselves, wherever we were spending money.”

McElhinneys of Ballybofey

Main Street, Ballybofey, Co DonegalTel: (074) 913 1217Web: www.mcelhinneys.com

McElhinneys is an institution in Ballybofey, a family business celebrating 40 years in business next year. The independent department store always maintains a sense of tradition, while at the same time keeping up with customers’ changing needs.

The store boasts 75,000sqft of retail space, employs 186 people and has some 15 departments.

People travel from all over the country and beyond – especially for McElhinneys’ renowned bridal wear selection.

“We had a woman in last week from Amsterdam buying her wedding dress!” says Martin McElhinney, general manager.

McElhinneys’ loyal local customers have a sense of ownership in the store and are always giving feedback. The store is a winner of the Drapers Award (the fashion world’s Oscars) for Best Independent Department Store, UK and Ireland.

“We can really say there’s nowhere in the world like McElhinneys!” says Martin.

Superquinn

Knocklyon Road, Templeogue, Dublin 16Tel: (01) 494 2421Web: www.superquinn.ie

The Knocklyon team pride themselves on exemplifying Superquinn’s high standards – when it comes to quality, service and value.

“If a rack of bread is slightly burnt, it goes in the bin,” says manager Paddy O’Neill.

“What defi nes a Superquinn store as opposed to any other store? When you walk through the door, you really should feel you’re somewhere different.”

The branch was revamped in 2008, and is a feast for the eyes, with mouth-watering fresh foods on display.

Knocklyon has consistently topped the results of Superquinn’s own mystery shopper programme, and has the highest rate of bag-packing in the company, at 99 per cent.

“Everything we do here is about meeting or exceeding customers’ expectations,” says O’Neill.

We like to think people go home happier after a visit. That’s our goal. – Fergal Doyle

Ireland’s

Top 50 Stores 2010

2 3 4 5

7 8 9 106

1O’Briens Wine, Beer & Spirits

Sandymount Road,Dublin

TileStyle

Ballymount Retail Park, Dublin

Portwest

Suffolk Street, Dublin

Donnybrook Fair

Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin

Butlers Chocolate Café

Liffey Street, Dublin

Superquinn

Knocklyon Road Knocklyon, Dublin

Champion Sports

Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin

Pamela Scott

Bedford Row, Limerick

Il Valentino

Gallery Quay, Grand Canal Habour,Dublin

Mulligans Pharmacy

Summerhill Centre Tramore, Waterford

31 Spar Merrion Row, Dublin

32 Applegreen Killeshin, Portlaoise, Laois

33 Cleary’s Pharmacy Main Street, Skibbereen, Cork

34 Medicare Superquinn Shopping Centre, Castletroy, Limerick

35 Esquires Coffee House Tesco Retail Park, Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim

36 Adrian Dunne Pharmacy Main Street, Portarlington, Laois

37 Appleby Dublin Johnsons Court, Grafton Street, Dublin

38 Nolan’s Butchers of Kilcullen Main Street, Kilcullen, Kildare

39 Tony Kealys Northside Retail Park, Coolock Drive, Dublin

40 Egans Opticians Lavitts Quay, Cork

41 Topaz Font Hill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin

42 Ardkeen Quality Food Store Dunmore Road, Waterford

43 The Food Store Silverbridge, Claremorris, Mayo

44 Fresh – The Good Food Market Grand Canal Square, Dublin

45 Elverys Sports Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin

46 Heffernan Fine Foods Market Square, Ballina, Mayo

47 Phamacy First Plus Carraig Laoi, Grenagh, Cork

48 Sam McCauley Chemist Market Square, Bunclody, Wexford

49 3 Store Main Street, Wexford

50 Sienna Home Furnishings Tramore Road Business Park, Waterford

11 Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge, Carlow

12 Instore Spruce Avenue, Sandyford, Dublin

13 Orchard Home & Garden Dublin Road, Celbridge, Kildare

14 DocMorris Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin

15 Corrys Foodhall & Café Station Road, Loughrea, Galway

16 Debenhams Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork

17 The Loop at Dublin Airport Dublin Airport, Dublin

18 PC World Jervis Street Shopping Centre, Jervis Street, Dublin

19 Howards Storage World The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin

20 O2 Grafton Street, Dublin

21 McArdle Meats Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas, Dublin

22 The Kilkenny Shop Emmet Place, Cork

23 Hugh Maguire Craft Butchers Ashbourne Shopping Centre, Meath

24 Weir & Sons Jewellers Grafton Street, Dublin

25 Lamber De Bie Flowers Ormonde Street, Kilkenny

26 Carraig Donn MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny

27 McElhinneys of Ballybofey Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal

28 Molloys Fine Foods Abbeytown, Roscommon

29 Daintree Paper Camden Street, Dublin

30 Alchemist Earth Sarsfi eld Street, Limerick