Griffins named in top 50 again

Griffins Garden Centre in Dripsey was recently named as one of the top 50 stores in Ireland in 2012 by Retail Excellence Ireland. It was one of three Cork companies that scored this notable coup, but it is the second time that Griffins have picked up the accolade. They are also top 10 in the ‘extra large store’ category. 

Supervisor at Griffins, Miriam Dillon said that they were “very proud” of their achievements. She says that they are one of only three garden centres nationally that made it to the top 50. The other Cork stores named in the top 50 are Boots on Half Moon Street and Ecco on Patrick Street.

“We are very proud of our customer service and we aim that our customers always get top service,” said Miriam. To that end, they are always looking at innovative ideas, she says.

Lat year they built a number of gardens so customers could imagine how thinking about how plants would look in their gardens and also to give them landscaping ideas. “A lot of love and work went into this,” the supervisor pointed out. “The awards are highly recognised within the retail business."

She believes that their innovations in their marketing techniques, such as their special offers and use of Facebook, the high standards of their merchandise and their customer service standards were all crucial.

The Retail Excellence Ireland Retail Awards exist to celebrate excellence, commitment and passion in the Irish retail Industry.

These awards are now the most prestigious and celebrated event in the Irish retail industry calendar. They are based on peer recognition, as the judging panel are also retailers.

Griffins was visited by a mystery shopper and then by an auditor, who arrives without warning.

Griffins Garden Centre started over 25 years ago from a green field site. It is now one of the most awarded and successful garden centres in the country.