There was delight for the team at McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu in Strokestown recently when it was crowned Best Small SuperValu Store for 2024.
The Co. Roscommon retailer saw off intense competition from other finalists to scoop the coveted award at the SuperValu National Conference which was held in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney on February 26 last. The accolade highlights the exceptional standards consistently achieved by the team at McGuinness/Cosgrove. It also showcases their commitment to excellence across their scratch bakery and meals zone, establishing themselves as a local destination for carvery and hot dinners, while focusing on value-for-money for customers.
The competition underwent thorough audits and assessments by independent judge and retail consultant Paul Ellison. The store audits focused on product range and quality, customer services, store presentation and innovation, fresh food offering, store hygiene standards and sustainability.
“This award is down to the tireless dedication and commitment of our entire team who embody the standard of excellence in their everyday roles,” says Stephen McGuinness, who is co-owner of the store along with Des Cosgrove.
“At McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu, we appreciate and understand the importance of quality offerings, customer service and sustainability in our industry as well as playing our part as a local community supporter. To receive this accolade gives us a great sense of pride for our store and the exemplary efforts of our team.
He adds: “We’re absolutely thrilled. The buzz around the store since the awards night has been incredible. The messages of congratulations we’ve received from our customers has been very gratifying.”
SuperValu managing director Ian Allen also extended his congratulations, commenting: “This year saw very strong competition across all categories, showcasing the high calibre of stores within the SuperValu network.
“McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu stood out and achieved the Best Small SuperValu Store Award for delivering innovation and excellence across the store, while enabling the best shopping experience for their customers. This winning store exemplifies the high standards delivered in our sector, and I extend my best wishes for their continued success.”
The road to success began when Stephen McGuinness and Des Cosgrove, who already owned Centra stores in Sligo – Des also owns Cosgrove’s SuperValu in Bundoran – acquired the store in 2018 and transitioned it from Centra to SuperValu two years later. This strategic move was aimed at broadening the store’s market reach and enhancing customer service. The transition has evidently paid dividends, with the store now standing out among its peers across the country.
“We’re a new enough SuperValu,” Stephen explains.
“We bought what was a very dated Centra in 2018 and transformed it into one of the most modern SuperValu stores in the country. We invested €1 million in the rebrand, taking 1,000 sq. ft. from the over-sized stockroom and turning it into shop floor space. We’ve doubled our turnover since the rebrand, so it has been a fantastic move for us.
“At 8,000 sq. ft. we’re a small SuperValu store, but as the old saying goes, ‘small is beautiful’.”
Quality, freshness and value are the hallmarks of McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu which employs 39 people, six of whom have been in the retail business for over 25 years. The store’s scratch bakery, deli, meat counter and fish monger are a firm favourite with customers. Indeed, independent judge and retail consultant Paul Ellison described the meat offering as ‘restaurant standard’.
“Our people are our greatest asset. I cannot stress that enough. They enjoy a wonderful relationship with our customers whose support we are extremely grateful for,” the affable co-owner continues.
“Our store manager is Martin Mullen, who is ably assisted by Wioleta Wronlewska. We are proud to have one of the few butcheress’ in the country in Sheila Carlon who always has a great offering of ‘Prepared by our Butcher’ meals. Sabrina Traynor manages the deli, while Goisa is our head baker. It’s a real team effort across the store.”
All fresh meat, fruit and vegetables are locally sourced and can be traced back to the farm where they were produced. Unlike many other big supermarket chains which operate in this country, SuperValu is Irish-owned and therefore enjoys a unique relationship with its customers.
“We pride ourselves on our standards, best-in-class fresh food, value-for-money and availability of stock. We’re also renowned for our exceptional customer service. SuperValu’s MPS (Mobile Performance Score) showed us to be number two in the country and in the top 10 on a consistent basis.”
McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu is also proud to support local jobs and the local community. It sponsors the Tidy Towns in Strokestown as well as other local clubs, organisations and schools. At national level, SuperValu sponsors the GAA Football All-Ireland Championships and the National Tidy Towns competition. The store also has a contract with Meals on Wheels to deliver a range of healthy, nutritious and quality meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals.
As the award-winning Strokestown store continues to go from strength to strength, Stephen and Des would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers and suppliers for their support and loyalty, as well as their top-class team for their hard work, dedication and expertise. Opening hours are 7am-10pm seven days a week.
The Best Small SuperValu Store accolade is not just a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff at McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu, but also serves as an inspiration to other stores within the SuperValu network and the retail industry at large. Achieving such recognition can significantly influence customer perceptions, potentially attracting more patrons and bolstering local business. Moreover, it sets a benchmark for excellence, encouraging continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery.
McGuinness/Cosgrove SuperValu
Elphin Street,
Strokestown,
Co. Roscommon.
Telephone: 071 963 3442
Email: [email protected]
First published in Grocery & Retail Ireland magazine Vol 3 No 1, Summer 2024
