The team at Positive Retail, together with Guaranteed Irish, is highlighting how Irish businesses are transforming their retail operations with advanced Point of Sale (POS) solutions.
We showcase:
Base2Race – leading in customer service excellence
53 Degrees North – creating a strong brand community
ECCO – fostering an exceptional company culture
McCauley Pharmacy – insights on retail management and POS-driven efficiency
Discover how the Positive Retail team helps businesses enhance sales, streamline operations, and deliver outstanding customer experiences across Ireland.
Base2Race: Ireland’s Premier Triathlon Retail Experience
Founded in 2010 by a team of dedicated athletes, Base2Race has become Ireland’s go-to triathlon store, renowned for exceptional customer service and high-quality products. With a 4.7 Google rating from over 230 reviews, the store’s reputation reflects its commitment to excellence in every aspect of retail.
Base2Race has also introduced exclusive brands like Argon 18 and JAKKA to Irish customers, cementing its role as a retail innovator.
“I think what sets us apart is our knowledge of all the various sports that we cater for. Everybody in the shop is involved in some way in the activities.” – Paul O’Connor, Director, Base2Race
The store’s team of expert advisers—many of whom are athletes themselves—ensures a personalised shopping experience, from bike servicing to gait analysis for runners. Loyal clients frequently return, often bringing referrals and helping grow the Base2Race community.
“Many of our customers, who walk through this door for the first time, have been recommended by existing clients. Which is exactly the way we want to run our business.” – Paul O’Connor, Director, Base2Race
As a proud Irish-owned triathlon hub, Base2Race demonstrates how a focus on customer experience and retail expertise drives both loyalty and growth. Explore their offerings online or visit the store in Ballymount, Dublin, to experience their excellence firsthand.
53 Degrees North: Transforming Outdoor Retail into a Lifestyle Experience
We explored 53 Degrees North, a brand dedicated to inspiring people to embrace nature and the outdoors. Committed to making outdoor exploration accessible, the company combines a carefully curated product range with outstanding customer service to create more than just a retail experience—it’s a lifestyle destination.
“I think it’s important in this day and age to separate retail stores from online, and one way of doing it is with The Adventure Club.” – Martin Blacker, General Manager, 53 Degrees North
At the heart of 53 Degrees North’s strategy is The Adventure Club, a vibrant brand community connecting outdoor enthusiasts beyond the shop floor. By fostering shared passion and engagement, the brand builds trust, loyalty, and meaningful customer relationships, going far beyond traditional retail transactions.
“The benefit is that you’re meeting your customers outside retail, you’re not transactional with them. It’s a great way to interact with your customers, which builds trust and loyalty.” – Martin Blacker, General Manager, 53 Degrees North
53 Degrees North shows how blending innovative retail practices with community engagement can elevate the customer experience. To join The Adventure Club or explore their premium outdoor products, visit 53degreesnorth.ie, sign up for their newsletter, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
ECCO: Leading with People, Excellence, and Retail Expertise
With around 160 employees in Ireland, ECCO stands out for its exceptional company culture and commitment to employee development. By understanding career goals and investing in training, ECCO achieves an unusually high retention rate in the retail sector, proving that a people-first approach drives business success.
At ECCO Dún Laoghaire, the team brings over 125 years of combined experience, embodying the company’s philosophy of valuing employees both inside and outside the workplace. Staff are not just colleagues—they are part of a close-knit retail community.
“Transparent communication is key to sustaining our culture,” – Samantha Watson, Deputy Retail Operations Manager, ECCO. Samantha visits all 19 branches and leads regular cluster calls to ensure exceptional communication across the company.
This festive season, visit Angela and Paula at ECCO Dún Laoghaire to benefit from their retail expertise and insights. Stay connected with ECCO through Facebook or Instagram for updates and inspiration on customer service excellence and retail innovation.
Retail Insights from Mike Standen, McCauley Pharmacy
In this episode of Excellence Unveiled, we sit down with Mike Standen, Retail Manager at McCauley Pharmacy, Mahon Point, and a true expert in retail management.
Running a busy pharmacy demands versatility, people skills, and adaptability—qualities Mike demonstrates every day.
“As a retail manager, you have to be a little bit of everything to everyone.” – Mike Standen, Retail Manager, McCauley Pharmacy
Mike shares his experience on how employee satisfaction, team performance, and customer service intersect in a fast-paced retail environment. His insights offer valuable lessons for anyone aiming to excel in retail management or optimise POS-driven operations.
Follow McCauley Pharmacy on Facebook and Instagram for updates and inspiration in retail excellence.
