Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare has been named as one of the top 12 SuperValu stores in Ireland after being shortlisted for the highly sought-after ‘Super Valu Store of the Year’ accolade.
The Co. Sligo store, which has been part of the fabric of the local community since 2008, was honoured for its achievements at the 2026 SuperValu National Conference, which was held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney in February. Criteria for finalists was based on product range and quality, customer service, sustainability and community involvement.
“We were absolutely delighted to make the Top 12,” store manager Des Mullen enthuses.
“A huge thank you goes to our incredible in-store team and customers for making this possible. There are over 220 SuperValu stores nationwide, so the competition was very strong. We want to build on this achievement and to continue giving our customers the best possible offering and shopping experience.
“It’s a team effort in each of the departments. Everyone is motivated towards delivering the best, and that comes from the store owner, Cecil Whiteside, who has a real passion for retail.”
The Top 12 recognition comes after Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare was chosen as the Overall Winner at the annual Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards, which took place at The Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny last November. Thomas Packenham and Anthony White of the Off Licence department were there on the night to accept the prestigious award on behalf of the Ballisodare store.
It also came after Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare unveiled a new-look store in June 2024 following a significant investment. Sustainability was a central focus of the revamp with energy efficient refrigeration and LED lighting being within the store’s innovative design. These measures have led to a significant reduction in energy consumption across the premises.
Employing over 80 people, Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare also offers Superscan in-store which helps customers track their spend, lets them pack as they shop and go through the checkout faster. The 15,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art store delivers premium, quality and fantastic value to its customers through offerings, including a new look Bakery, Food-to-Go and Fresh Meat Counter with Expert Butchers as well as fantastic local products in its Taste of Local section.
“We believe in enhancing local communities by caring for our environment, so we are particularly proud of the dedicated eco-friendly technologies throughout the new store,” Des continues.
“The other big focus of the revamp was on our fresh food offering. We improved our Meat Counter, which was already very strong, and expanded our Deli and Bakery. Not only has the revamp increased footfall and revitalised the store, it has also allowed us to drive quality and standards. In addition, it has enabled us to extend our local and Irish product offering.
“All of these improvements are complemented by our amazing team who take immense pride in their work and enjoy a great rapport with our customers. We’re extremely grateful to all our loyal customers who continue to support us in the local community.”
Des is also full of praise for assistant manager Karen Gorman, crediting her leadership as the driving force behind the store’s achievement of reaching the top 12 for Store of the Year. He highlights how she led from the front, bringing the whole team together and inspiring a collective effort that made the success possible.
Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare is committed to providing customers with the best quality and prices as well as a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience. The store boasts strong deli, fruit & veg, meat and fresh bakery sections and also has a large selection of specialty foods. It also stocks a wide variety of wines and beers in its award-winning off-licence from local, national and international producers. Furthermore, the store combines the best of SuperValu’s own grocery brands with the leading brands.
Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare is an exceptional family-owned business fronted by Cecil Whiteside. A proud Sligo man, Cecil also owns Whiteside’s Centra in nearby Collooney.
“Cecil has been in the retail business for over 30 years,” Des explains.
“He opened his first shop in Collooney 20 years ago which is now Whiteside’s Centra. I joined him in Collooney before moving to Ballisodare after he opened the SuperValu in 2008. The two stores are only four miles apart, which means they have the same customers. Over 100 people are employed between the two, making us one of the largest employers in the area.
“Cecil’s son, Cian, has come back into the business after working as an accountant with KPMG, so it’s now officially a second-generation store.”
Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare has a strong reputation for being customer and community-focused. To this end, the independently-owned store supports many local charities and clubs, including Ballisodare United, Owenmore Gaels and Sligo LGFA. At national level, SuperValu sponsors the GAA Football All-Ireland Championships and the National Tidy Towns competition.
“We’re proud to be local.”
Opening hours are 7.30am to 10pm Monday-Friday and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tuesday evenings (7-9pm) are designated for autism-friendly shopping with ample car parking space available.
Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare
Ballisodare,
Co. Sligo.
Telephone: 071 913 3320
First published in Grocery & Retail Ireland magazine Vol 5 No 2, Summer 2026
featured, Whiteside’s SuperValu Ballisodare
