Family furniture firm's double win

THE owners of a Skibbereen furniture store have won two top awards at this year’s Irish Independent Retail Awards.

Abbey Furniture, a family run business at Bridge Street, actually won the Soft Furnishing Retailer of the Year award in 2018 – an honour that was bestowed upon them again this year, plus an additional award as top ‘Retailer of the Year’.

Helen Dempsey, who is an active member of the Skibbereen and District Chamber of Commerce, said the entire family are delighted with the double win.

Helen and Christy travelled to Dublin to collect their prizes and to enjoy an event that Helen described as ‘an excellent platform for networking and marketing.’

The awards scheme was established to acknowledge the contribution that the country’s independent retailers are making to the economy, as well as the diversity they provide.

The store owners are also honoured for their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit in a climate where small shops are often overshadowed by bigger retailers and the multiples. 

Although the competition was fierce, the judges deemed Abbey Furniture to be a worth winner of both titles. 

The awards also offered a platform for its official charity partner – Make-A-Wish Ireland – because of the donations they receive on the night, as well a fundraising prize draw.