Cullahill natives, Joe and Diane Deegan managed to scoop the ‘Centra Store of the Year’ award for 2018.
Deegan’s Centra, which is located just across the border in Urlingford, received the accolade at the Centra National Conference, which took place at the Malton Hotel, Killarney.
The store was picked as number one from an incredible 450 Centra stores across Ireland.
Secrets of success
Since buying the premises in 2003, both Joe and Diane Deegan recognise the importance of keeping up to date with the times. They have undergone three revamps to the store over 15 years, with the lastest update taking place last year.
“As a business we’re always learning. Things are changing constantly and you need to keep up to date with things. The day you’re not learning is the day that you’re not at anything,” said Joe.
For the competition, retail consultant Dr Alan Collins audited Centra stores throughout the country, with each participating store assessed for its range, quality, customer service, hygiene, service offering and local community involvement.
“For the final judge, it’s how he feels as a customer when he’s walking into the store,” said Joe.
As it turns out, mr Collins felt that Deegan’s offered a ‘perfect’ shopping experience.
“There’s something about Deegan’s that makes it feel ‘perfect,’” commented competition judge Dr Alan Collins. “It has a unique shopping experience and it all comes together at the front of the store, where you are greeted by an abundance of top quality fresh food. This is the kind of store everyone wants in their community.”
And Deegan’s are certainly a family that values community. They have long been associated with hurling in Cullahill and The Harps, with Joe training hurling in Cullahill NS, and his father Denis serving as a former chairman of the Laois Hurling Board.
Joe also says that a number of factors go running the store, and credited the 40 members of staff working in Deegan’s when he accepted the award.
“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all of our dedicated, hard-working staff members at Deegan’s. They are a super team of professionals who constantly strive to deliver the very best service, healthy convenience offering and value for money to our customers. This award is recognition of the great effort that they give every day,” said Joe.
Joe and Diane were presented with the award by Martin Kelleher, managing director of Centra, Ian Allen, Centra sales director and JF Michel, account director of Three Business, competition sponsors.
Centra Urlingford from The Delta Group on Vimeo.
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