Forecourt and convenience retailers throughout Mayo are finding growth opportunities and are still showing their motivation despite facing the most demanding of economic conditions.
There is no doubt that it is a very challenging time within the industry but the drive and ambition that oil companies, wholesalers, symbol groups, and independent retailers continue to show through innovation within the industry is evident and the appetite and community spirit of Irish retailers continues to shine through.
“Consumer buying habits may have changed and with price now more important than ever, installing and maintaining consumer confidence is critical for retailers. It is therefore imperative to focus on economising without compromising standards as the all-inclusive grocery-retailing offer continues to develop at forecourts and convenience stores across the country,” says Bill Penton, publisher, Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer. “The awards recognise those retailers who are standing up to the challenge and showcase the best that the country’s convenience and forecourt retailers have to offer for the local consumer. They also play a crucial role in helping to raise industry standards by recognising excellence and rewarding professionalism within this particularly competitive sector.”
Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer awards are the only trade awards in Ireland to focus solely on the needs of forecourt and convenience retailers and are a firm fixture in the forecourt and convenience-retailing calendar, attracting more than 500 entries annually across 12 award categories. This year the awards will celebrate their fifth anniversary and will once again be supported by platinum sponsor Cuisine de France.
Independent specialist company Spotcheck will judge the awards. Partner, Jill Beasant commented: “The judging process is designed to test each of the entrants against best practise industry standards in their chosen categories and will include visits from mystery guests/customers, written submissions and face-to-face interviews depending on the category. All entrants will also be able to get feedback on the their mystery visit which is a great tool for making improvements and celebrating success.”
The elite of the industry will be announced at a gala awards evening, hosted by RTE’s Grainne Seoige on Friday September 11 at the Round Room in the Mansion House, Dublin, in what promises to be a night of excitement, celebration, and superb entertainment.
For further information on Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer awards and for details on how to enter, contact Pamela Beers at Penton Publications on 01 433 7610 or e-mail [email protected]. The deadline for entries is Friday June 26.
