Excellence Unveiled
A Four-Part Series with Positive Retail
Embark on a journey of excellence with ‘Excellence Unveiled,’ a captivating series presented by Positive Retail in collaboration with Guaranteed Irish. Join us as we showcase some of Positive Retails clients this festive season. In ‘Excellence Unveiled,’ we dive into the art of customer service excellence with Base2Race, venture into brand community building with 53 Degrees North, explore the exceptional company culture at ECCO and gain invaluable insights from Mike Standen a seasoned retail manager at McCauley Pharmacy.
Episode 1
Excelling at Customer Service with Base2Race this Christmas
Established in 2010 by a team of dedicated athletes, Base2Race has become the go-to triathlon store in Ireland. With a remarkable 4.7 Google rating based on 230 customer reviews, the store has earned praise not only for its high-quality products but also for its unparalleled customer service.
In addition to its commitment to service, Base2Race has introduced exclusive brands like Argon 18 and JAKKA to Irish shores, solidifying its position as an industry 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 team at Base2Race, comprised of knowledgeable advisers who are athletes themselves, ensures a personalised shopping experience, from bike servicing to gait analysis for runners. Many of their clients are return visitors often bringing referrals and spreading the word.
“Many many of our customers, who walk through this door for the first time have been recommended by our existing clients. Which is exactly the way we want to run our business” -Paul O Connor, Director, Base2Race
Base2Race is an Irish-owned triathlon hub. To experience the excellence firsthand, we encourage you to explore the Base2Race website or visit the store in Ballymount, Dublin
Episode 2
Building a Thriving Brand Community at 53 Degrees North
In Episode Two, we immerse ourselves in the world of 53 Degrees North, a brand on a mission to inspire and empower individuals to embrace nature and the great outdoors. The brand believes in the transformative power of nature and is dedicated to making outdoor exploration accessible to everyone.
“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 core of 53 Degrees North’s success is its meticulously curated selection of products and its commitment to exceptional customer service. The brand aims to be the ultimate destination for all outdoor needs, offering customers not just products but an entire experience.
Central to 53 Degrees North’s strategy is The Adventure Club, a thriving brand community. By fostering a sense of connection and shared passion for outdoor adventures, the brand goes beyond traditional retail, aspiring to be a lifestyle destination where customers find not only the gear, they need but also a community that shares their enthusiasm.
“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
The adventure club is free, a nominal charity donation may apply to some events. If you would like to get involved in The Adventure Club visit www.53degreesnorth.ie and sign up for their newsletter. Alternatively, follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
Episode 3
Exploring ECCO's Exceptional Company Culture
ECCO, with approximately 160 employees in Ireland, has emerged as a beacon of outstanding company culture. With a focus on understanding the career goals of their employees and investing in training, ECCO showcases an uncommonly high retention rate in the retail industry.
At ECCO Dún Laoghaire, the staff, boasting a collective experience of over 125 years, embodies the company’s commitment to its people. ECCO attributes its success to a people-first, humanistic management style that prioritises employees’ lives both within and outside the company. Employees are not just colleagues but integral members of a close-knit community.
The Deputy Retail Operations Manager, Samantha Watson, emphasises the importance of transparent communication as a key element in sustaining the culture at ECCO. Samantha consistently visits all 19 branches and conducts cluster calls to ensure exceptional communication throughout the company.
This festive season, why not visit Angela and Paula at the ECCO Dún Laoghaire branch to tap into their wealth of experience and expertise? Alternatively, follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
Episode 4
Retail Management Insights with Mike Standen!
In Episode Four, we introduce a true industry expert, Mike Standen, the Retail Manager at McCauley Pharmacy, Mahon Point.
Managing a retail establishment, especially in a bustling pharmacy, demands a unique set of skills and a genuine affinity for people – qualities that Mike possesses in abundance. His insights shed light on the multifaceted role of a retail manager, highlighting the necessity of being adaptable and enjoying the work you do.
As Mike aptly puts it, “As a retail manager, you have to be a little bit of everything to everyone.”
This seasoned professional shares his wisdom, emphasising the intrinsic connection between job satisfaction and performance. Through Mike’s perspective, we gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of retail management.
Follow McCauley Pharmacy on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
Book a Free Consultation Call
At Positive Retail we offer a range of services to retailers nationwide.
Contact an expert today to discuss your requirements.