26 STORE PROFILE
Safety first
Following the successful revamp of their Nenagh, Co. Tipperary store, Sean and Shane Mulrooney tell Julia O’Reilly how Gala Retail has helped them grow at a challenging time
B
ack in November 2005, Sean and Shane Mulrooney leapt at the opportunity to take over Londis, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary and convert it into a Gala store. “We were quite green at the time,” says Shane, “we had only just started in retail in 2001 so it was a quick learning curve to say the least!” This response reflects a modesty in Mulrooney, who later adds: “That was our third store, we’d previously had two others.” Today, the Mulrooneys have five stores altogether, with four in Tipperary and one in Offaly.
Changing times The duo were clearly up to the job: “It’s been 15 years and we’ve been trading here ever since,” Sean tells us. In that time, the 2,000sq ft site has gone through many changes, the biggest of which came last year when the Mulrooneys undertook a massive renovation. “Since 2005 we’d only done one other revamp, and it was just a small cosmetic change,” says Shane. “But this was a fullblown revamp. We wanted to update the store to align it with the new contemporary Gala image. ShelfLife September 2020 | www.shelflife.ie
“We changed the entrance of the shop, added a sit-down area, got new counters, shelving, floors, ceilings, LED lighting, and refrigeration. I don’t think there’s anything left from the old shop,” he adds with a laugh. “It’s all new. We wanted to make the space as economical as possible.”
Latest concepts
Gala Retail operations executive Sandra Nicholson, store owner Shane Mulrooney, store manager Gillian McLaughlin and store owner Sean Mulrooney
STORE PROFILE
Mulrooney’s Gala Address: Nenagh,, Co. Tipperary Retailers: Sean and Shane Mulrooney Size: 2,000sq ft Staff: 23 full and part-time
“Between Gala Retail and our wholesaler BWG/4 Aces, we were guided throughout,” says Sean. “They provided us with support on what to do at each stage of the revamp. It was invaluable really.”
Trading through renovation Luckily, the team were not forced to close their doors during the renovation. “We were able to keep trading throughout because we
The site also boasts the latest Gala category concepts, including a Galato ice cream station, New Street Deli and Coffee Junction, as well as an expansive fresh food range. “We have all our own fresh food lines in store, which is unique in our area,” says Shane. We offer freshly made dinners, salads and spider fridge produce. We also have our own bakery in Roscrea where we make fresh scones, breads, and rolls for the deli. We also do our own occasion and take-home cakes.” It is apparent that the Mulrooneys had ample The store showcases an appetising New Street Deli offering support during the process: and Coffee Junction, as well as an expansive fresh food range
