Nearby opens 150th store with €1 million National Lotto ticket winner
O’Halloran’s Nearby Oola in County Limerick became Nearby’s 150th store opening across the island of Ireland with a weekend filled with celebrations, music, food and special deals for the local community.
Nearby – a convenience symbol brand that is almost ready to celebrate its third year when the first store opened its, doors has been playing a vital part in S&W Wholesale’s (parent company) wider modernisation strategy in helping the independent retailer forge deeper connections in their local community as well as driving their business forward.
To celebrate the opening, the Nearby team held a grand opening day with live music and giveaways from Limerick’s Live 95fm Shadow Team, free customer goodie bags packed full of supplier treats and a chance for customers to ‘Spin The Nearby Wheel’ for their chance to win some amazing spot prizes.
There were also special deals running across household essentials and grocery lines on the lead up to the event and over the celebration weekend for customers to avail of.
Store owner Tom O’Hallaran said: “We were delighted to hold a customer fun weekend and give a little back to the local community for all the support over the past eight years.
“It was great for the village and created a real buzz all week with so many customers looking to know what was happening. We wanted to keep it all a secret for the Friday launch and it really paid off.”
This store is very much at the heart of the local community in Oola and provides essentials services with a Post Office inside, convenient parking to the front and rear, wide range of grocery lines, freshly baked goods made in store, ice cream available, a deli counter, Cuppa coffee to go, Payzone and National Lottery.
As if this wasn’t enough for this rural store, there was one more surprise that was not planned by the Nearby team.
On the day of the launch of Nearby Oola a lucky customer who joined in on the celebrations had a double celebration of their own, winning the €1,000,000 National Irish lottery ticket on the day.
Tom said: “We couldn’t believe our luck let alone the customer’s luck – things like this doesn’t happen here! A winning ticket sold here on the official day of our opening, you just couldn’t write it! We are over the moon and wish our new Millionaire every success. We hope they still stop by.”
Jason McSteen, Nearby ROI Sales Manager added: “Retailers joining the Nearby family can enjoy all the benefits of a symbol brand while keeping total control over their business.
“From day one we work with you, to understand what makes your retail space unique. We don’t ask for long-term contracts, marketing fees or weekly advertising costings. We offer an attractive brand, bespoke signage, consumer promotional activity, central billing and a dedicated business development manager to guide you with your business needs.
“Come speak to me and the team – with 150 stores already throughout Ireland we are always Nearby.”
