Red Earth makes Store of the Year top 30 shortlist

Red Earth, Mullingar is one of 30 retailers competing for the title of Ireland’s National Store of the Year.

Retail Excellence will reveal the winner at an awards ceremony on Saturday November 11 in The Galmont Hotel in Galway as part of the AIB Merchant Services Retail Excellence Awards 2023.

Other Westmeath businesses in the top 30 are, Cunningham’s Pharmacy Monksland, Athlone, and Fernhill Garden Centre, Athlone. Fabiani of Longford Town is also on the list.

Interim CEO Jean McCabe said: “The AIB Merchant Services Retail Awards mark an incredible journey for all participating stores. Each finalist represents an exceptional retail establishment, and it’s a source of genuine delight to witness their progression through our rigorous awards process.

The process began in May with more than 500 store entries. The judge, Matthew Brown of Echochamber, will visit and assess each of the finalists who have secured a place among the top 30 stores.

Hubert O’Donoghue, general manager, AIB Merchant Services, said: “AIB Merchant Services have proudly supported Irish retail for almost 50 years. We are passionate about our partnership with Retail Excellence Ireland, which has provided this culturally relevant platform, through these awards, to showcase the best that industry here has to offer. While not everyone can be a winner on the night, there can no doubt that Irish retail is in rude health, continuing to innovate and break barriers in pursuit of excellence. We look forward to witnessing this in Galway on November 11 and share in the rightful and fitting celebration of these milestones.”