The 26th store of O’Brien’s Wine, Beer & Spirits at the Parkway Shopping Centre was awarded the 2007 National Retail Store of the Year title last weekend at the annual FBD CREST Retail Excellence Awards.

Ireland’s top retailing award was presented to the family owned firm by TD Tom Kitt—Minister of State for the Department of an Taoiseach.

The awards were a double success for Limerick, Casey’s Furniture in Limerick also scooped Store of the Year in the Best Large Store Western Region category.

David Fitzsimons, CEO of CREST Retail Excellence Ireland, complemented O’Brien’s and its owners.

“By winning this award, O’Briens Wine, Beer & Spirits has shown its ability to deliver something special. The company has beat off some significant competition, and highlighted its position as one of the most progressive and prestigious retail brands in this country.”

He added that its “ability to provide world-class wines and expert knowledge places it above and beyond the traditional off-licence offering, as it continues to expand both its expertise and its brand”.

The chain started as a small family firm owned by brothers Brendan, Kevin and Jim O’ Brien but it has grown to become the country’s largest centrally owned wine chain.

The company employs over 200 staff in its 27 stores, which extends from Limerick to Drogheda.

O’Briens Wines, Beer & Spirits stock world class wines, many of which are sourced directly from wineries and the company has even discovered and nurtured a few labels that have gone on to become bestsellers worldwide.

Marketing Director David Whelehan, attributes the success of the company to a number of factors such as the firm’s core values, commitment to excellence, sourcing and retailing of products and knowledgeable staff.

“It is a true embodiment of everything we are trying to achieve, and both this award and latest stores are a culmination of the brand evolution of the company.”

A total of 479 stores entered the FBD CREST Retail Excellence awards this year and over 260 leading Irish retailers attended the Awards ceremony hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’ Callaghan in Dromoland Castle.

CREST is a not for profit organisation established in 1995 to support the Irish independent retail sector. 

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