There is a belief that the key to longevity and success in business is achieved by how well a company can keep up with the modern demands of its discerning customers. While this adage is no doubt true, establishing a strong culture based on tradition is also a cornerstone to any business's prosperity - there is a reason why many companies use the tagline 'A name you can trust' in their promotional materials.
However, a business that can marry tradition with forward thinking tends to be a cut above its rivals. For more than 70 years, the Standún family has been able to do so and once again, is thriving at a time when many of its large chain contemporaries have had to close.
Owned and managed by sisters, Clíona and Laragh Standún, the well-known family business is one of Galway's favourite stores, offering the best in traditional and Irish design, as well as an extensive selection of giftware brands, such as Newbridge Silver, Tipperary Crystal, Nicholas Mosse, Rebeka Kahn, and Foxford Woollen Mills. It also features the famous Standún Aran sweater and knitwear collection.
The store in Spiddal includes a cafe, an extensive ladies' fashion, menswear and children’s departments with Irish and international brands, and a huge variety of unique homeware and gifts to suit diverse tastes. The store in Oughterard which opened in 2018 is a condensed version of the larger store and caters for all walks of life.
The sisters have been running Standún for more than a decade after taking over the reins from their mother and father, Raymonde and Donal, who in turn took over from the women's grandparents, May and Máirtín Standún who founded the business in 1946. While remaining true to the company's goal of providing the best in Irish craftsmanship, Clíona and Laragh have moved the business into the modern era with the opening of a second store in Oughterard in 2018 and the launch of an online store. The sisters are always 'sourcing a lot of unique gifts to provide something a bit different' so customers can surprise friends and family.
The sisters say they are very proud of their business, "As the third generation, we look forward to carrying on the wonderful Standún tradition handed down to us by our parents and grandparents."
Awarded the title of 'Small Business of the Year' at the Family Business Awards 2023, Standún was named as a finalist for a number of categories at this year's Family Business Awards 2024
To learn more about Standún, or to browse the online store, visit standun.com
