Shaws staff in charity drive through lockdown

SHAWS Department Stores has seen its fair share of challenges since its establishment in 1864, and like so many other retailers is navigating their pathway to reopening after the latest closure due to Covid-19.

Their focus over the past few months has included consistent communication with their 600+ staff to ensure they were keeping busy and well. Prior to Christmas in the November lockdown their staff partook in several charity drives for CHF Crumlin Children’s Hospital including the creation of a charity calendar, a Winter Walk for CHF Crumlin walking over 10,000 km and a Christmas Jumper Day in December, raising thousands of euros for the charity.

This years extended Level 5 lockdown meant Shaws has not opened their doors so far in 2021. Shaws invited their staff to partake in a walking group, where they are currently virtually walking the coastline of Ireland. This coastline walk was inspired by the amazing photography taken by all the staff from around the country (almost nationwide, as some may say) in their Winter within your 5km photography competition. With over 200 images taken by staff members this competition was hotly contested with some stunning imagery of Ireland captured. The virtual coastline walk is still underway with an expected finish line date of May 1.

In April, the staff were invited to take part in a Spring into Life DIY and Garden makeover competition. With vouchers up for grabs their staff were hard at work on room makeovers, transforming their gardens, upcycling, and painting everything that didn’t move. Shaws quickly realised their staff have many hidden talents, with some budding interior designers and gardeners amongst the ranks.

Shaws is now working hard to prepare the stores for reopening and the creation of their new website this year which is a big welcome from their loyal customers.

Shaws would like to thank all their staff this year for staying positive and participating in the initiatives. They would also like to congratulate their staff on winning 1st place in the CX Best Brand in Retail for customer service and experience 2020 beating all major supermarkets and other national retailers.

Jonathan Shaw CEO said “This award is for all our staff, it’s just recognition for the consistent customer service and experience we offer in all our stores. Most of our customers are known by name and our staff understand their needs. We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming back our customers”.