Winners announced for 2023 ‘United in Excellence Awards’ – Recognising the very best standards in hardware sector

Hardware and builders merchant stores from around the country have been honoured recently for achieving exceptional standards in retailing at the ‘United in Excellence Awards’ ceremony, hosted by Comedian, Mario Rosenstock, at Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, County Carlow.

Wallace’s Homevalue, Wellingtonbridge, Co. Wexford won the overall and highly coveted award, ‘United in Excellence Store of The Year 2023’, beating competition from over 160 other exceptional stores.

Wallace’s is a family-run, third-generation company serving the community of Wellingtonbridge in Wexford and beyond for more than 75 years, with a firm focus on their commitment to customers.

Paul Candon, Group CEO, United Hardware said: “Our United in Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate best-in-class offerings, standards and customer service across the hardware industry. I would like to personally congratulate all the winners and those nominated for their achievements, and in particular the overall winner this year, Wallace’s Homevalue, in Wexford. They have made a significant investment in their store standards and this achievement is a testament to their unwavering commitment to perfection making them truly deserving winners this year. All our winning members have significantly raised the bar when it comes to excellence n retailing and have proven that they are the very best hardware stores in Ireland. Thank you to our main sponsors on the night Unilin Insulation, Dulux Paints, Cedral, Glennon Brothers, Grundfos, Calor, Irish Cement, Wavin, Einhell and Mannok and our silver sponsor Soudal”.

Joseph Wallace from Wallace’s Homevalue, said: “We are delighted to receive the award on behalf of our full team in recognition of all their hard work, dedication, and determination they have put into ensuring that we continue to grow and meet the expectations of our customers. It is our belief that an unwavering focus on customers is what truly sets us apart from others and ensures that our customers know that we are there for them, whatever their needs. For over seven decades, we have built a strong and lasting relationship with our customers to better understand these needs and provide top quality service and products within our community”.

The event involved the presentation of 34 awards over various key business categories such as paint, customer service, light hardware & DIY, merchanting and best regional store. As part of the nomination process, every group member store across the entire network must comply with a strict set of criteria, to ensure that the highest possible standards are continuously upheld. This involves an assessment by Store Operations which also includes an independent mystery shopper audit by an external third party.

Overall Award Winners:

Best Overall Store Munster
Flynn’s Homevalue

Best Overall Store Leinster
Wallace’s Homevalue

Best Overall Store Connacht
O’Higgin’s Homevalue

Best Overall Store Ulster
Donegal Town Hardware Homevalue

Best Garden Centre
Kean’s Claremorris

Guaranteed Irish Advocate
Callan Co-op Homevalue

Best Social Media Presence
EEC Homevalue

Marketing Champion of The Year
P.J. Kelly’s Homevalue

Best Overall Store in Ireland
Wallace’s Homevalue