Girvans Scoops Two National Awards
Girvans of Aberfeldy has clinched two highly acclaimed retail industry awards, winning the ‘Londis Best Forecourt Shop 2008’ and, remarkabl,y the top ‘Londis Best Overall Shop 2008’. The family business, which also includes a Gulf-supplied forecourt, hardware shop, extensive outdoor sports store and motor workshop, claimed the outstanding double victory from an initial 2,100 UK stores.
“We’re absolutely elated to have won, it’s a complete turnaround from where we were at this time last year!” enthused Blair Girvan, owner/manager and the driving force behind the achievement. “We were told we’d been successful in the forecourt category, which in itself was fantastic, and then we competed against six other category winners for Best Overall Shop.” |
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The process involved three knock-out stages; a mystery shopper visit, a personal interview with Blair and finally a filmed interview when Londis came to the shop and spoke to the staff and customers. All seven finalists’ films were shown at the awards night and Blair said: “My quiet confidence was overridden by nerves when I saw how good the other shops were. Our victory certainly proves that a shift of business strategy and shop makeover can be worth the hassle and hard work.”
Makeover
Winning the two honours in the second year of the Londis awards programme, Girvans was nowhere to be seen on the shortlist in 2007, for the shop was then' tired looking and functional at best'. In January last year, Blair set about a major shop refurbishment, double its original size and installing an extensive chilled and frozen foods section and now specialises in local Scottish produce.
“The new products have been really successful, particularly with our move towards local goods which has pleased the regulars,” explained Blair. “We regularly assess stock movement and if a product isn’t selling we’ll try a different range – it’s important to continually evolve with the market by introducing new lines and innovative shop displays. “Being disciplined with paperwork and management procedures makes the entire operation more efficient because it not only enables me to monitor profit margins, but also allows me to spend more time on the shop floor serving my customers.”
Shining Example
“Girvans of Aberfeldy is a shining example to all petrol retailers and Gulf is proud to be associated with a business that is at the pinnacle of its trade,” said Keith Jewers, Director of Gulf Retail. “In today’s world, rural forecourts need to have a number of strings to their bow in order to offer motorists a one-stop service, and Girvans certainly demonstrates with its impressive range of shops, Gulf forecourt and workshop.
"Blair and his team work tirelessly to provide a personal service to the local community and through-trade and I’m delighted that this has been officially recognised with the prestigious Londis awards. It’s clear that all aspects of the business; customer service, staff training and motivations, stock control and financial affairs are managed in a highly professional manner. We take the success of our independent forecourts to heart and seeing the Gulf brand work so effectively as part of a larger operation is truly rewarding.”
Parliamentarian Praise
Adding his voice to the praise, PeteWishart MP commented: “It is fantastic to see a local businessman like Blair Girvan, who has run the shop in Dunkeld Street for five years, win in this prestigious competition. The Aberfeldy Londis won best forecourt store and then went on to win the ultimate accolade of Londis store of the year.
“I understand that some 2,000 shops across the UK were entered into the competition. It is most impressive to beat off this kind of competition.
“I know from chats with constituents that the people of Aberfeldy really appreciate Blair’s efforts in making shopping at his outlet a pleasurable experience.
“Blair Girvan has a real in-depth understanding of his customers’ and local area’s needs and offers a fantastic range of produce with many locally-sourced specialities”
Scottish Minister and MSP John Swinney added: “Providing a vital local service, such as this, is essential for small rural communities like Aberfeldy.
“I warmly congratulate Mr Girvan on his success and entrepreneurial skill in providing an attractive and pleasant environment in which to shop and at the same time, supporting the local community sponsoring the local football team, golf club and Christmas lights.”
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