Bandon's Grey Heron is named on Top 100 list

RETAIL Excellence has announced its top 100 Irish stores and the Grey Heron gift shop and gallery in Bandon has made the grade.

Retail Excellence is Ireland largest retail organisation and the Bandon store owners, Dave and Philip McLaughlin, responded to the announcement with ‘absolute delight.’

Dave told The Southern Star: ‘We got the news on Friday that our shop and gallery had been selected and we couldn’t be happier because it is a huge vote of confidence in our business.

‘A lot of teamwork has gone into the store since April, when we rebranded it and transformed it from Bandon Craft Centre to Grey Heron.’

Dave said they engaged a designer, and that resulted in the complete refurbishment of the entire shop floor.

‘We also changed our buying practices and brought in fresh and contemporary suppliers, as well as local artists, and it opened up the store to a whole new market,’ Dave told The Southern Star.

‘We’ve been amazed by the response from our old customers, as well as the new ones. They tell us that they love the fresh, new look and the more extensive range of goods and products that are now available at Grey Heron.’

Dave suggested that the relaxed atmosphere in the shop has also gone down well with customers who find the store a pleasure in which to browse – all of which is an important part of the overall shopping experience.

Brothers, Dave and Philip, who were born and raised in Bandon, said that being listed in the Top100 has given them an even greater impetus to continue to promote and improve their store.

The family-run business has been an important outlet in Bandon town for the last 40 years, and its future now looks secure for another 40.

‘We were always proud of the shop, but being the only West Cork store listed in all of Ireland is a double honour and a reflection on the care and attention to detail provided by all of our staff,’ said Dave.