Three Mayo hardware stores win big at national awards
A number of hardware and builder merchant stores from around the country – including three in Mayo – have been honoured for achieving exceptional standards in retailing at the 2nd United in Excellence Awards, held in the Heritage Hotel in Killenard, Co. Laois.
Cummins Homevalue Claremorris came away with two awards, Customer Service Excellence in Connacht and Best Light Hardware & DIY Store in Connacht.
A second Claremorris store, Kean’s Claremorris, took home the award for Best Paint Store in Connacht.
P.J. Kelly’s Homevalue in Westport, meanwhile, won the award for Best Merchanting Store in Connacht.
Patrick Cassidy, Group CEO of United Hardware, said “The United in Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate best in class offerings, standards and customer service across the industry in Ireland.
"Cummins Homevalue Claremorris, Kean’s Claremorris and P.J. Kelly’s Homevalue have each raised the bar respectively when it comes to excellence in retailing and have proven that they are some of the best hardware stores in Ireland.”
James Kean, Kean’s Claremorris, said “We are delighted to have won the award for Best Paint Store in Connacht at the United in Excellence Awards this year. This is a testament to the hard work our team has done in making our store best in class.”
Richard Cummins, Cummins Homevalue, added “These awards are not only a mark of pride for our store and staff but importantly it lets our customers know that we are going above and beyond that extra mile.”
Dermot Kelly, P.J Kelly’s Homevalue, said “This accolade is a point of differentiation in what is a very competitive marketplace and we’re honoured to receive the recognition.”
The event involved the presentation of 25 awards over various key business categories such as paint, customer service, light hardware, merchanting and best regional store. Rooney’s Homevalue in Kells won the highly coveted title of Store of the Year 2019, fighting off competition from over 150 other stores.
As part of the nomination process, every group member store across the entire network must comply with a strict set of criteria, to ensure that the highest possible standards are continuously upheld.
This involves an assessment by Store Operations which also includes two independent mystery shopper audits by an external third party.
On the evening €5,500 was raised for United Hardware’s chosen charity, the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People.