Joy for Irish stores in Fed Awards

TWO Irish stores won big at the 2023 Fed Awards. Casey’s Londis store in Roscommon saw off competition from stores throughout Ireland and the UK to win the Store of the Year Award at a glittering ceremony, hosted by BBC presenter Naga Munchetty, at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on January 24.

Meanwhile Peter Steemers, who own’s Steemers O’Leary in Bunclody, Co. Wexford, took home the Customer Service Retailer of the Year Award.

The Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) was formerly known as the NFRN and is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 10,000 members throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

“Last spring, I was part of a group that flew over to Ireland for a whistlestop tour of some of our members’ stores, and the positivity and ingenuity that I saw has made a lasting impression,” noted The Fed’s National President Jason Birks. “One store in particular blew me away, as the owner truly knows and understands the demographic of his customer base and he tailors his offering accordingly.

In short, Casey’s thoroughly embraces the ethos of being an independent retailer. I decided that he deserved recognition for displaying excellence and ingenuity across all retail disciplines.”

Jason went on to describe Steemers O’Leary as an “Aladdin’s Cave, offering shoppers everything they need”. He said that “There is a friendly smile and warm welcome for everyone entering Steemers O'Leary - even if they are shopping there for the first time.”

Store owner Peter Steemers said: “Service is what me and the team pride ourselves on. We are the heart of the community and know everyone. Even passing trade, we make them feel special, so hopefully they will shop again on their travels. Customer service distinguishes me from the local competitors and supermarkets. I do not believe in the statement ‘the customer is always right’ but I do believe in ‘they pay our wages’. There is no loyalty today, so you have to fight for your customers. Look after them and they will look after you.”