S&W Wholesale recently opened its 50th symbol store, McGrane’s Nearby in Keady, Co Armagh.
Exclusive to S&W, the wholesaler said that the Nearby brand plays a vital part in a wider modernisation strategy to help independent retailers forge deeper connections in the local community.
It added that, despite the extensive challenges faced during the pandemic, Nearby will 'continue to operate to the highest standard of safety precautions with the opening of even more new stores planned across the island of Ireland.'
“Since the opening of the very first store back in April, we’ve been working to create a high-quality service for both Nearby retailers and their customers in store," said Maurice Little, sales manager at S&W Wholesale.
"The new Nearby stores have been very well received in their local communities with retailers noticing an increased level of footfall in their stores as a direct result of the conversion to Nearby."
Supporting Local Communities
With a strong focus on local communities, S&W said that it was especially fitting that the launch of its 50th store was with a family-run business in the heart of Keady.
Owned by brothers Tom and Dermot McGrane, the store has been in safe hands for over 40 years and S&W Wholesale said that customers can 'expect the same great service with the added benefit of it being part of a symbol brand.'
Working closely with the team at S&W, Tom and Dermot have spent the last three months planning the conversion to Nearby.
The most significant change in store is the introduction of a new off-licence known locally as Vineyard 2020, which will now complete the offering available.
With investment also in new refrigeration, additional shelving, a new hot food and deli counter, and additional check-out counters, the store is now well placed to serve their customers for many more years to come.
“We’ve been serving our local community for over 40 years and can’t wait for our customers to reap the rewards of our new venture as a Nearby store," said Tom McGrane, owner at Nearby, Keady.
"As part of the Nearby family, we look forward to working with the team to bring great customer service and unrivalled value to the people of Keady and beyond."
Celebrations
To celebrate the ongoing success of the brand and the opening of their 50th store, the team recently held a 'fun-filled' launch event at the new Co Armagh-based store.
Customers had the chance to win prizes, including Nearby vouchers, prizes from local suppliers, and the latest apple iPad.
There was also hot food sampling, wine tasting and Nearby bags for customers packed full of local supplier goodies and treats.
“The opening of the 50th Nearby store is a big day for us all," said Daniel Comiskey, brand marketing lead at S&W Wholesale. "We started this journey during the pandemic and to get to this point so quickly is a reflection of the hard work and passion from both our retailers and those behind the scenes at S&W Wholesale.
"We have big plans for the rest of the year and can’t wait to continue the growth of Nearby – watch this space.”
2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
