Smith’s SuperValu in Navan, Co Meath has been crowned winner of the prestigious ‘National SuperValu Store of the Year’ title for 2023. The store was among a range of finalists from all corners of the country shortlisted for the award at the SuperValu National Conference which was held in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
Smith’s SuperValu also achieved the ‘Best Large SuperValu Store of the Year’ award at the conference, while Garvey’s SuperValu in Cobh, Co Cork were named winners of the ‘Best Medium SuperValu Store of the Year’ title. Kavanagh’s SuperValu in Claremorris, Co Mayo took home the Best Small SuperValu Store of the Year’ award.
The team from Smith’s SuperValu were presented with their award by SuperValu Managing Director, Ian Allen and JF Michel, Account Director at Three Business, the competition’s sponsors. The store employs 120 staff and is a very active in supporting local charities and the Navan TidyTowns Committee, as well as being a champion of local suppliers.
Winning this title recognises the exceptional standards of the Smith’s SuperValu store. SuperValu stores throughout the Republic of Ireland were assessed and adjudicated by independent competition judge and retail consultant, Matthew Brown. The judging process focused on key criteria including product range and innovation, store presentation, fresh food offering, sustainability, customer care and store quality and hygiene standards.
On winning the award, store owner, Denis Smith, Smith’s SuperValu Navan, said the award was a testament to its team of dedicated staff and the support of its loyal customer base: “I’d like to thank our brilliant team of employees back in the store– this award would not have been possible without their hard-work and passion day in and day out. I’d also like to thank our customers who have shown us so much support over the years and drive us on to keep providing fresh, local produce and the very best in customer service.”
Speaking at the awards, Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu congratulated Smith’s SuperValu Navan and said, “Every year we are blown away by the high standard set by finalists who are paving the way as exemplar SuperValu stores nationwide and leading in our mission to build sustainable communities. I’d like to congratulate Smith’s SuperValu Navan for showing excellent leadership in the area of sustainability, implementing a truly innovative store product range and supporting local producers. The team at Smith’s SuperValu Navan are hugely deserving of this accolade and I’d like to wish them every success going forward into the future.”
Commenting on the excellent standard of the shortlisted stores, judge and independent retail consultant, Matthew Brown said: “It was a great honour and privilege to be invited to take part in the judging for this year’s SuperValu Store of Year Awards. I have to say the standard of retailing excellence from the SuperValu stores I visited is absolutely world class. SuperValu is leading the way in fresh food innovation and expert levels of service provided by butchers, fishmongers and deli counters. The stores I visited also had an incredible approach to food innovation and celebrating local supplier stories. All shortlisted stores should be very proud of their achievements.”
