Anthony and Kevin O'Brien of Mace Dublin Road, Athlone have been recognised for achieving high standards in retailing at the annual Excellence Awards, held in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel.
At the presentation of the awards, managing director Mace Ireland, Willie O’Byrne, said: “This is my first year being involved with the Mace Excellence Awards and I’m encouraged to see so many of our retailers match or better the rigorous criteria set in the programme. Our retailers have shown they are committed to achieving high standards in hygiene, regulatory compliance, and overall store look and feel. Not only does this scheme encourage healthy competition between peers but more importantly, it demonstrates to customers that Mace retailers are motivated to raise the bar in terms of standards and service year on year.”
Mace retailers who achieve the Mace Excellence Award must comply with a strict set of criteria which involves stores being rigorously monitored throughout the year in areas such as shop presentation, food safety and legal compliance.
The assessment also involves surprise audits carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the year by mystery shoppers as well as Mace personnel to ensure that the highest possible standards are being upheld on a continuous basis.
Trading for more than 40 years in the Irish grocery business, Mace is a leading brand in the convenience sector and an important part of the local communities in which they operate. Following the acquisition of Mangans in 2008, BWG now controls the entire Mace network - currently 230 stores - in the Republic of Ireland.
