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Gala Retail Conference

Gala Performance by Retail Group Pictured are (l-r): motivational speaker Paul McNeive; Liam Peters, Chairman, Gala Retail Services; Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail Services, and guest speaker, football icon Niall Quinn.

The Gala Retail Conference saw the retail group celebrating another successful year’s trading, while looking ahead to the roll-out of Chilled Distribution nationwide.

GALA Retail Services celebrated another successful year in the retail industry at its annual Gala Retail Conference, which was held over two days in October at the five star Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co. Laois.

Over 200 Gala group retailers, wholesalers and support staff, enjoyed a packed schedule of business, social activities and engaging entertainment, including the business conference, annual trade fair exhibition, Gala’s B.E.S.T awards, and a hilarious after dinner routine by the irrepressible king of comedic impressions, Mario Rosenstock of Gift Grub fame.

Iconic Guest Speakers Kicking off the conference, Gala’s Chairman Liam Peters introduced the audience to this year’s special guest speakers, Niall Quinn and Paul McNeive. Iconic footballer, Niall Quinn gave an insight into the successes and challenges he faced through his varied career as a player, former Chairman at

Sunderland FC and his current hugely successful business career.

Attendees also enjoyed hearing from Paul McNeive, the inspirational leader and motivational speaker whose autobiographical book on business and motivation, ‘Small Steps’, is a best seller and reveals how losing his legs drove McNeive on to lead a €50m business. McNeive explored the theme of unleashing potential and gave guests fantastic advice on improving customer service and increasing sales potential.

The CEO’s Address CEO of Gala Retail Services, Gary Desmond, took to the stage to update attendees on the Gala network’s growth and progress achieved in 2014. Covering some of the key marketing wins from the year, Desmond referenced the significant growth of its social media presence on Facebook and Twitter, the popular Disney partnership, the group’s

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Gala Retail Conference grocery brands to save money, while 31% have cut down on or buy cheaper brands of alcohol.

He highlighted some of the positive economic indicators, including the fact that Ireland’s unemployment rate is due to fall to 11% by the end of the year and that business sentiment was at its highest point for seven and a half years in early 2014. Desmond also analysed the convenience market, with some interesting insights, including the fact that convenience shopping accounts for 27% of all shopping occasions, and that 79% of convenience shoppers are satisfied with their shopping experience.

Nationwide Chilled Distribution As well as briefing the audience on the strategy and marketing plans for 2015, the CEO also updated retailers on the highly anticipated launch of Chilled Distribution, which has started to roll out to all stores nationwide.

The Chilled Distribution Solution represents a significant investment for the group, following months of planning and an initial trial period in several stores under the guidance of Audrey Kelly.

The CEO highlighted Gala’s belief that now is the right time for the group to introduce the chilled Gala CEO, Gary Desmond, pictured with guest speaker, Paul McNeive. distribution network, as it offers a range of important benefits to the hugely successful Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation brand’s growing network of retailers. The solution offers all charity campaign, and the regional radio sponsorships which retailers greater access and availability across a wide range aired nationwide.

He went on to discuss key economic and consumer trends, of products and allows them to be even more competitive on price and more efficient in terms of the ordering process. The including the fact that 71% of us have switched to cheaper

Pictured accepting the Marketing Initiative Award are Colin Ferguson of Nestlé Ireland, with Terry Kane from Gala Carlow, and Tony Cluskey, Gala Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager.

Pictured receiving the Fresh Food Award is Liju Gala, Tuffy’s Gala Ballina, and Audrey Kelly, Gala Chilled/Frozen Trading Manager.

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Gala Retail Conference

Pictured at the presentation of the Customer Service Award are (l-r):- Barry Filgate of Largo Foods; Jack & Patricia Coyle from Coyle’s Gala Express, Belmullet; and Denise Lord, Gala Customer Services Manager.

Guest speaker Niall Quinn, pictured with Gala CEO, Gary Desmond.

Tuffy’s Gala, Ballina, Co. Mayo, was a Gold Award Winner: Pictured are Billy Massey, Retail Operations Manager, Gala Retail Services, with Eileen Diamond & Grace O’Malley, Tuffy’s, and event MC, Lorraine Keane.

system will also reduce administration work for busy retailers and will allow for increased margins and better stock control management.

The bespoke online ordering system GLOS (Gala Logistics Operating System), which sees all Gala retailers equipped with free iPads, was developed to be very easy for retailers to use, while an extensive consultation process ensured the end product’s viability and value for retailers.

The Chilled Distribution system has been rigorously tested through an extensive pilot scheme over the past number of months across Gala Express, Gala convenience and Gala forecourt formats, Desmond explained. He advised that retailers participating in the trials have been very positive in their feedback, remarking on improved service levels, consistent product supplies and better value for customers.

Sean and Colm Mulrooney from Mulrooney’s Gala, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, are pictured receiving their Gold Award from Billy Massey of Gala and Lorraine Keane.

King’s Gala from Ashbourne, Co. Meath, was a Gold Award winner. Gala’s Jerry McDonnell and event MC, Lorraine Keane, present the award to Lorraine Byrne and Robert Cunningham.

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Gala Retail Conference

Jerry McDonnell Retail Operations Manager at Gala Retail Services, presents a Gold Award to Alan and Dolores Hegarty and John Smith, from Hegarty’s Gala, Carlow, with event MC, Lorraine Keane.

Andy and Jame Durkan, from Durkan’s Gala, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, are pictured receiving their Gold Award from Billy Massey of Gala and Lorraine Keane.

Gala B.E.S.T Awards As always, a highlight of the conference was the annual B.E.S.T awards and banquet dinner, which was hosted this year by TV presenter Lorraine Keane. The B.E.S.T (Business Excellence Standards Tool) Awards celebrate excellence in retail standards and customer service throughout Gala stores. Every year a number of stores are awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze for their commitment to excellence across a range of categories, from training to HR. In addition, key awards including Marketing Initiative Award, Customer Service Awards, Community Initiative Award, Alcohol Dept. Award, Gala Brand Champion, Fresh Food Award and the Bakers Corner Award, were presented to six key Gala retailers on the night.

This year saw Britvic awarded the prestigious Gala’s Supplier of the Year award, highlighting their excellent work with Gala and retailers alike over the past year. The award was accepted by Brian Magennis Jerry McDonnell, Retail Operations Manager at Gala Retail Services, and MC Lorraine Keane, are pictured presenting a Gold Award to Gerard of Britvic, who commended both the Britvic and Gala Crawford, Harkin’s Gala, Ballybofey Co. Donegal. teams on their efforts over the past year, which has culminated in this award.

Gary Desmond, Gala CEO, presents the Supplier of the Year Award to Brian Magennis and Kieran Groarke of Britvic.

Pictured are (l-r): Billy Massey, Retail Operations Manager, Gala Retail Services, Sammy Salem, PJ Holmes & Josephine Reale, all from Gold Award winners Holmes’ Gala Express, Murroe, Co. Limerick, with Lorraine Keane.