Galway company Classic Tiles has been nominated for a top retail excellence award to be presented in Kilkenny next week.
The FBD Retail Excellence Ireland Awards are held to mark high standards in business and retail, and the nomination of Classic Tiles is a major boost as the company gets ready to mark 20 years in business next year.
The indigenous Galway company was opened in 1989 by local businessman Jack Nohilly, who hails from Corofin in north Galway –a parish synonymous with Galway football. Indeed Classic Tiles were the main sponsor of the club when it won the all-Ireland club football final back in 1998.
Nominated in the medium store category in the FBD Retail Excellence Ireland awards, Classic Tiles is no stranger to triumphs. In 1997 when it opened its new showrooms on the Tuam Road when Duncan Stewart was the guest of honour, and last year a brand new look revamped showroom was opened at the same site, with the new image welcomed by customers.
The business currently employs 14 staff under general manager Margaret Fahey who said that they are delighted with the nomination for next week’s award.
“The current climate going forward is a new challenge to the business world today, but staying positive and continuing to take on the market challenge with a competitive edge is where we are at,” she said, adding that the nomination in the finals down to the last six out of 432 stores nationwide is a major achievement as Classic Tiles is the only west of Ireland store nominated.
“There is no doubt the Celtic Tiger era grew the business,” says Caroline Higgins retail sales manager with Classic Tiles.
“The range of product available has changed, where ceramic is still a great product, porcelain, marble and natural stone are much more in demand by the customer. Current trends are introducing glass tiles for feature effect to give sparkle and colour, and as the majority of glass tiles are produced from recycled glass the environment benefits also,” she said.
Good customer service is paramount in any business and Classic Tiles has placed great emphasis on staff training and on retaining staff; allied to maintaining a supply of quality products to its customers.
Specialist knowledge and expertise on all aspects of the product is required, specific to the needs of each customer, offering technical assistance and design ideas, instructions on installation and maintenance follow up are all part of the service advice.
“Classic Tiles is a success because of customer loyalty bringing repeat business and building a strong customer relationship over the years and also the relationship built with suppliers both in Ireland and at a international level,” said Margaret Fahey.
“We work closely with architects and interior designers and supply to high specification projects as well as the retail market in Galway and throughout Ireland. The location of Bathroom World alongside in the same building allows for more product display and more choice for the customer,” she said.
The glittering ceremony will be held in Kilkenny’s Lyrath House hotel on November 15 and will be hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan.
