Kean’s Claremorris, a family-owned retail business serving the Claremorris community for over 230 years, has proudly unveiled its newly renovated and rebranded store, now under the Homevalue banner.
Following an €800,000 investment in store expansion, infrastructure overhaul and sustainability initiatives, the newly branded Kean’s Homevalue is positioned to offer an even broader range of products and services to meet the needs of today’s customers while staying true to its history of community engagement.
“As a fourth-generation business, we have always prioritised supporting the Claremorris community, and this investment reflects our commitment to better serving our customers,” explains James Kean Jr., co-owner of Kean’s Homevalue.
“With an expanded 32,000 square-foot space, we’re able to offer a comprehensive range of products and services under one roof, enhancing our Homevalue and Petstop offerings to meet the evolving demands of our community and our growing customer base.”
Community-Focused Retail
The Keans’ decision to fully adopt the Homevalue branding represents a significant evolution for the store, reflecting their commitment to providing customers with the best in home improvement, DIY and lifestyle products. By embracing Homevalue’s distinctive branding in-store, Kean’s Homevalue signals its alignment with one of Ireland’s leading buying and marketing groups for independent, family-owned retailers.
As a trusted name in the DIY, home and garden sectors, Homevalue emphasises quality, service and community – values that resonate deeply with Kean’s longstanding approach to retail. This rebranding enhances the store’s offering and experience, ensuring customers in Claremorris and beyond have access to a wider range of top-quality products, underpinned by the expertise and reliability of the Homevalue brand.
Homevalue is part of United Hardware, which supplies and operates the Homevalue retail brand on behalf of over 180 affiliated stores in Ireland. United Hardware was recently named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies as part of Deloitte’s 2024 Best Managed Companies Awards. This followed the successful completion of a merger process last year, transitioning from a joint venture partnership to a single trading entity, enhancing business efficiencies and creating major opportunities to develop and amplify both the Homevalue and United Hardware companies. This is something which Kean’s Homevalue will be tapping into while also prioritising the personal, family-oriented approach that has remained a hallmark of their service.
Investment in Store Expansion and Innovation
With the rebranding, Kean’s Homevalue has undergone a significant transformation, blending its rich heritage with a modern, customer-centric design. The extensive refurbishment has allowed the store to enhance its layout, making better use of the available space and improving the overall shopping experience. Customers can now explore an expanded product offering, including an enriched range of DIY supplies, homewares and pet care essentials. Additionally, the expansion has created employment opportunities, with six additional staff members joining the team, bringing the total workforce to 36.
“This project was not just about making the store larger,” explains James Kean Jr. “It was a strategic step towards ensuring we meet the evolving expectations of our customers while staying true to our commitment to sustainability and service. By modernising our space, we’ve created a more inviting and efficient environment that reflects the needs of the Claremorris community.”
The store’s infrastructure upgrade also brought modern efficiencies, including digital pricing signage that integrates directly with their EPOS system. This technology not only significantly reduces the labour and paper waste associated with manual pricing but also aligns with Kean’s commitment to sustainability by cutting down on resource consumption. These innovations allow the team to focus more on providing excellent customer service, while also contributing to a greener, more environmentally conscious operation.
Heritage and Community
Founded in 1905, Kean’s Homevalue has been deeply embedded in the Claremorris community for quite some time. Four generations of the Kean family have dedicated themselves to providing reliable, quality goods and supporting local needs, a legacy they are committed to upholding.
“Over the years, we have supported various local organisations, from the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce to sports clubs and community groups,” says James Kean Jr. “Our family remains committed to giving back to the people who have supported us over generations, and this rebranding and expansion only deepens our ability to serve Claremorris in a meaningful way.”
The rebranding to Homevalue signifies a renewed commitment to the community, allowing Kean’s Homevalue to provide greater access to products that meet the needs of local contractors, homebuilders and DIY enthusiasts. By maintaining close ties to the Claremorris Chamber, Colts Rugby Club, Claremorris Swimming Club, GAA clubs, St. Vincent de Paul, and many more organisations, the Kean family continues to uphold a tradition of mutual support within the community.
Sustainability Initiatives
Kean’s Homevalue’s recent investment also signals a commitment to sustainability. As part of the rebrand and upgrade, the store has integrated a SolarPV solution capable of producing 56.35kWp of solar power. Expected to generate up to 28% of the store’s energy needs, this renewable energy system will reduce reliance on external power sources, decreasing the store’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, the garden centre benefits from a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank, which collects water from the roof of the building and polytunnel. This water is used for an underground irrigation system, ensuring efficient and sustainable watering.
New Offerings to Enhance the Local Shopping Experience
The rebranding and expansion have enabled Kean’s Homevalue to introduce an array of new products and services. Among the highlights is a dedicated Euronics section, which offers a wide range of high-quality electronics and appliances. Almost like a store within the store, the Euronics area provides customers with access to televisions, smartwatches, coffee machines and high-end kitchen appliances, all supported by expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
Additionally, the store now features a Rangemaster Centre and has introduced the Petstop brand, catering to pets of all sizes and meeting the growing demand for pet care products in the local area. With the expanded Homevalue branding, Kean’s also offers an enhanced selection of DIY supplies, gardening tools, paint and homewares, alongside seasonal items like Christmas décor. This comprehensive range ensures that locals can find everything they need in one convenient location.
“Our expansion allows us to maximise our store’s potential,” notes James Kean Jr. “With three national brands now under one roof, we’re a unique destination in Claremorris and surrounding areas. We are a one-stop shop in our locality, and we continue to evolve towards becoming a destination store for our community. We’re proud to save our customers the time, travel and expense of visiting larger urban centres.”
Guaranteed Irish
Kean’s Homevalue’s commitment to local quality is bolstered by its alignment with the Guaranteed Irish symbol, a mark of trust that reinforces the store’s dedication to Irish jobs, products and community. As a Guaranteed Irish member, Kean’s actively promotes the values of provenance, quality, and community-focused service that make a positive impact on the local economy.
“By sourcing Irish products and supporting local jobs, we contribute to a thriving community,” says James Kean Jr.
“Our Guaranteed Irish membership is a testament to our commitment to the people and businesses of Ireland, reinforcing that Kean’s Homevalue is not only a family business but also a proud Irish one.”
The Future of Shopping in Claremorris
Kean’s Homevalue is a destination for essential products and also a retail space designed to enhance the customer experience. The store’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with knowledgeable staff and continuous training, ensures that customers receive personalised advice and assistance. “The changes we’ve made are ultimately about enriching our customers’ experience,” says James Kean Jr. “From ease of access to an extensive product range, we’re dedicated to meeting and exceeding expectations.”
With their recent upgrades, Kean’s Homevalue has positioned itself as a regional leader in retail, combining heritage with innovation to offer a shopping experience that rivals urban centres. The Homevalue rebranding represents a new look and a renewed promise to provide quality, convenience and a commitment to sustainability.
For those seeking DIY supplies, home goods or pet products, Kean’s Homevalue now offers the full range of Homevalue’s trusted products. With improved store standards, cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on local engagement, Kean’s is a prime example of the future of family-run retail in Ireland. As the Kean family looks ahead, their expanded offerings and Homevalue partnership ensure that they will continue to meet the needs of Claremorris with care, pride and a deep-rooted commitment to the community they have served for over two centuries.
