70 NOFFLA NEWS
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Magnificent in Munster Carry Out The Reeks in Killarney was named Munster OffLicence of the Year 2021. Here, retailer John Fleming explains what makes the store stand out from the competition
Hennessy (Edward Dillon) sponsored the NOffLA Munster Off-Licence of the Year Award
Q: What are the factors that led to you winning a NOffLA Award and how do you stand out from competitors?
FACT FILE Carry Out, The Reeks, Killarney Store size: Approx. 1600sq ft Number of staff: 20 across three stores
Carry Out The Reeks in Killarney, the deserving winner of this year’s Munster Off-Licence of the Year Award, first moved into its current 1,600sq ft location three years ago, after spending 15 years in its former 900sq ft unit. The team were justifiably delighted with their win at the latest NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards. “Our first time entering the NOffLA Awards we managed to pick up Best New Store,” says retailer John Fleming, “but to go and top that the following year with the Munster Store of the Year is amazing!” Between the group’s three stores, there is currently a mix of 20 full-time and part-time staff. John Fleming is fulsome in his praise for the team; “a lot of whom have been with us for years. The stores are nothing without the crew behind the counters.” We caught up with him to learn more about how the business has fared during the pandemic and the group’s plans for the future.
A: We carry a large range of products in all our departments of wine, beers and spirits. We try and support local as much as we can, and this has set us apart from some of our rivals. The local Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company has offered great support in our craft beer range and we feel this has benefited our stores. Q: What are your current bestselling brands/ranges in-store and why do you believe these products are proving popular?
Retailer John Fleming with staff members Mikey Cronin and Siobhan Talbot, proudly displaying their award
Q: How has Covid-19 affected your business and how have you navigated the challenges involved? A: We have found Covid to be challenging, we have been one of
The 1,600sq ft Carry Out store can offer a choice to suit all budgets
ShelfLife September 2021 | www.shelflife.ie
the lucky few industries to remain open throughout this terrible pandemic and have adapted our business according to the rules and recommendations. We grew our workforce in the off-licence by four.
The local Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company has offered great support in the store’s craft beer range
A: Since our move three years ago, we have increased our wine range and offerings but it’s the Irish whiskey category we have really got behind. We feel we are on the right road in supporting all the new distilleries that are starting to pop up in this growing sector. We have just released our secondever single cask in partnership with the guys at Echlinville Distillery, a 14-year-old Dunville’s single malt PX sherry cask finish. Our first release was also this year which was with our neighbours in the Dingle Distillery; it was a founding father cask in a full-term port cask. Q: What are the advantages of belonging to the National OffLicence Association? >>
Carry Out The Reeks offers a large range of products in all departments of wine, beers and spirits
