Simply The Best

Hurley’s SuperValu, Midleton, Co. Cork has been announced “SuperValu Store of the Year” for 2014. The store received the much coveted accolade at the SuperValu National Conference which was held in the Malton Hotel, Killarney on Monday 24th February 2014.

Three additional Cork SuperValu Stores were also announced as finalists in the running for the highly coveted “SuperValu Store of the Year 2014” title. Ryan’s SuperValu, Glanmire, Riordan’s SuperValu Fermoy, and O’Mahony’s SuperValu Mallow as well as the ‘2014 Store of the Year’; Hurley’s SuperValu, Midleton were presented with their awards by SuperValu Managing Director, Martin Kelleher, Michael Morgan, Sales Director, SuperValu and John Acton, O2, competition sponsors.

Winning the Store of the Year Award recognises the exceptional service this Midleton store provides, as SuperValu stores throughout the Republic of Ireland were assessed and adjudicated by independent competition judge, Joe Comerford, in determining the deserving winner. The audits undertaken focused on customer care, store presentation, fresh food quality, product range, operational standards, store hygiene and local community involvement; with Hurley’s SuperValu surpassing all other SuperValu stores within these criteria.

On receipt of the award, store owner, John Hurley paid tribute to his team and acknowledged that; their enthusiasm and constant dedication is pivotal to the success of the store. “Our committed experienced workforce; of 138 employees – many of whom have spanned across generations of families, strive towards one goal, which is providing the absolute best value, service and range for our customers.”

“Customer service is at the forefront of everything we do at our store. Continuity of staff offering a wealth of experience and maintaining relationships with new and regular customers has ensured consistent standards across our retail offering. We developed strong community ties and customer relations over the years through community sponsorship and a number of fun store initiatives such as a customer Christmas Party and giving free gifts on Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day. These are always a resounding success and have helped to further cement relationships between staff and customers. We are delighted that we have been recognised for our efforts, not only by our customers but by our colleagues throughout the SuperValu network.” Hurley concluded.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu congratulated Hurley’s SuperValu and said “Every year we face a very difficult decision in choosing the SuperValu Store of the Year winner and 2014 was particularly challenging. It is truly evident that all SuperValu stores work hard to succeed in a very competitive market and it is the passion of the independent entrepreneurial retailers and their enthusiastic teams that is fundamental to their success.

Hurley’s SuperValu stood out, as it’s an exceptional store demonstrating our true brand credentials. This national award and these finalist awards are a real testament that SuperValu Stores across Cork go above and beyond, ensuring a strong commitment to local community and local suppliers, a wide range of quality fresh food across all departments, real value for money and, of course, exceptional customer service.”

Congratulating the overall winner, John Acton from O2 said “A massive congratulations to everyone at Hurley’s SuperValu on winning the ‘SuperValu Store of the Year’ award for 2014. O2 are proud to continue our sponsorship of these prestigious awards which showcase excellence in the retail industry. SuperValu is an Irish success story and O2 are delighted to be associated which such a strong innovative Irish brand.”

SuperValu is Ireland’s leading independent grocery retailer and can boast record retail sales of €2.1 billion in 2013, a 1% increase on the previous year’s figures. SuperValu’s performance is attributed to the grocery retailer’s unique combination of outstanding fresh food, Irish sourcing, value and market leading customer service as demonstrated by its growth in market share. SuperValu continues to source locally with almost €2 billion worth of goods sourced from Irish suppliers, which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the economy.