THE search is now on for the key “talent” working in Ireland’s convenience retailing sector following the launch of the 2010 Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer Awards this week.
In 2008, after fighting off fierce competition, Chawke’s, Castletroy won three categories including Best Customer Service, Forecourt/Convenience Store of the Year 1,100 sq ft plus and Best Site with a Licence to sell Alcohol before being crowned Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Retailer of the Year 2008 sponsored by PostPoint at the gala awards ceremony.
Speaking at the awards ceremony Tom Chawke said: “We were delighted to receive these awards. We started from nothing and progressed successfully to take on the multiples. In addition to our offering, we added our off-licence and joined up with Centra, which is another plus for us. We are delighted to be recognised as Forecourt Retailer of the Year 2008 by Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer Magazine.”
With recent research revealing that the independent retail grocery sector in Ireland contributes almost €5 billion to the national economy – constituting 3.6 per cent of the national GNP – forecourt and convenience retailers throughout Ireland are to be acknowledged for the valuable contribution they make to the national economy and to their local communities through an innovative awards programme sponsored by Cuisine de France.
The local forecourt/convenience store is the societal hub in many communities and is also a major contributor to local authorities, through payment of commercial rates and local charges totalling nearly €90 million per annum. As well as being major employers in their communities, local shops also sell local and fresh produce, which in turn promotes local diversity and food culture. Their role is a vital one that cannot be underestimated.
Deemed to be the ‘Oscars’ of the industry, Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Awards, are universally supported by forecourt and convenience retailers, oil companies, wholesalers, symbol groups and independent retailers, who are rewarded through 14 award categories, which are independently judged by Spotcheck.
Bill Penton, Publisher, Ireland’s Forecourt & Convenience Retailer comments: “As the only trade awards in Ireland to focus solely on the needs of forecourt and convenience retailers, the Awards play a crucial role in helping to raise industry standards by recognising excellence and rewarding professionalism in what is an extremely competitive but valuable sector to the national economy.”
Bill continues: “Retailers work long hours to make this valuable contribution to the national economy without access to State supports, grants or incentives – they take the risks, assume the debts and build their business. IF&CR believes that help is needed for the sector – especially at a time of reduced consumer spending – and that the Government needs to take some key measures to underpin the growth and contribution of forecourt and convenience retailers nationally. There needs to be a reduction in regulatory and compliance costs, more State support and analysis and consideration of the competitive disadvantage many smaller retailers are subjected to as a result of multiples and larger suppliers.”
This year for the first time retailers can enter the Awards online at www.forecourtretailerawards.com.
The elite of the industry will be announced at a gala awards evening, hosted by RTE’s Grainne Seoige on Friday September 17 at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.
