Another mark of distinction for busy Mayo seaside store

Following on from winning a Gala Retail Excellence Award in early September, Nicholson’s Gala is once again celebrating as the store, based in Keel, Achill, has been announced as the overall winner of Best Brand Champion within the Gala Retail Group.

Completing a hat-trick of award wins in less than a year, Nicholson’s Gala, Keel in Achill was named last December as ‘Small Convenience Store of the Year’ at the prestigious ShelfLife National C-Store Awards 2023.

The Gala Retail awards marked the end of the Group’s 25th year of anniversary celebrations.

Bringing Gala retailers, wholesalers and suppliers together, the event took place over four days with the highlight being the Gala Celebratory Evening.

Expertly compered by comedian, Barry Murphy, Irish rugby legend, Ronan O’Gara was the guest of honour, with Irish band, Spring Break closing the evening.

The Gala Retail category awards are the highest accolades within the Group, and this prestigious award-win for Nicholson’s Gala recognises the store’s commitment to embodying the values of Gala Retail in everything that they do.

Commenting on Nicholson’s Gala, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, congratulated the winning store, saying: “One of the biggest awards of the night, our brand champion loves the Gala brand and isn't afraid to show it! Nicholson’s Gala understands and believes in Gala’s company's values and direction.

“The store, under Sandra’s direction, has an intuitive sense of what moves the brand and their store forward. Many congratulations to the entire team at the store. Nicholson’s Gala is a deserving winner and we wish the store continued success.”

Just last month, several other Gala Retail stores from the county were acknowledged at the Group’s Excellence Awards for demonstrating exemplary standards in convenience retailing.

These included: Gala Keel; Tuffy's Gala, Louisburgh; McGloin's Gala, Foxford; Tuffy's Gala, Ballina; Mangan's Gala, Ardnaree; Mulhern's Gala, Crossmolina; Walsh's Gala, Kiltimagh; and Gala Claremorris.

As one of the most progressive convenience groups in Ireland, Gala stores benefit from national expertise, coupled with local wholesaler support and a store model, which ensures that every Gala store is designed to deliver to its local community’s requirements.