Member Testimonials

"Since Debenhams joined REI, we have participated in quarterly research. These insightful reports enable Debenhams to both assess the market place and follow retail trends, allowing us to remain a key player in the current challenging retail market."

Chris Paton - Debenhams

"Winning an industry recognised award from REI gave all our employees a huge morale boost and was something we proudly told all our customers about, giving them the confidence to buy."

Garry Doyle - Meteor

"We at Clery’s have found the benchmarking in retail parks and other productivity reports to be excellent – it’s this kind of information provided by REI that we need both to improve business and understand where we stand in the competitive set."

PJ Timmins - Clerys

"Recognition for winning the Store of the Year Award is especially rewarding in times like these when sales do not always reflect the hard work and commitment put in by the team and it makes the award all the more special. It gives us great confidence in 2011 to keep doing the things we do and striving to be the best."

Jim Dignam - O’Brien’s Wine, Beer & Spirits

"We joined REI because as small independent retailers we felt we needed some way to make our voice heard by the politicians whose decisions affect every aspect of our business. We know that if we have any questions relating to rent, rates, employment law or rates of pay we will get  friendly, knowledgeable advice from REI."

Mary Costelloe - Costelloe & Costelloe

"We at Fields have benefitted hugely through our involvement with REI. Their efforts in market intelligence, learning & networking, industry representation and indeed the annual REI awards must be applauded."

Gerry Bohan - Fields

"Winning the Retail Excellence Ireland Store of the Year 2009 was a fantastic privilege and achievement for Instore. Instantly our customers and suppliers recognised the ‘weight’ this award carried for our store and our brand became even more valuable and respected in the market place.  The recognition also applauded the on-going contribution made by all our team members in their commitment to the brand and their delivery of excellence in customer service.  Instore is incredibly proud to have won such a prestigious award."

Oliver Moloney - Instore

"Homestore + more have found REI to be hugely supportive regarding HR Support and indeed advice regarding Rent Review negotiations. We know that REI will endeavour to assist us in any way possible, regardless of the situation."

Johnathan Stanley - Homestore + more

"We feel that one of the best services REI provides is the complimentary HR Support from Tommy Smyth & Associates. Its definitely a service that we feel all members should utilize."

Mairead Horkan - Horkans Garden Centre

"REI is an outstanding organisation that engages its members through common goals, provides unrivalled support and research and has created a strong sense of community, integrity and genuine friendship among its members. The REI yearly awards are the Oscars of retailing and we are so proud and humbled to have received recognition at these celebrations. REI is a compelling, relevant and ethical organisation that succeeds in excelling the requirements of its members. It is hugely respected and has become the champion of retailers needs and desires characterised by strong engaging and passionate leadership."

Cormac Tobin - Unicare

"REI offers a complimentary HR Service to members, which we have used and can confirm that it is very informative, professional and current. It is definitely a service worth utilising."

Peter Reynolds - PJ Reynolds

" Over the last 12 months, we have used REI’s complementary Human Resource Management support service, Tom Smyth & Associates. We have always found Tommy to be professional, focused and highly attentive to the particular needs of our company.  Tommy uses best practice templates and his in depth experience matches our organisational HR strategy, which builds excellent results. "

Colette Caulfield - Carraig Donn

" We joined Retail Excellence Ireland almost 10 years ago when they started off as “Crest”. We brought many of our  team to the training courses organised by Retail excellence Ireland, these courses as well as the mystery shoppers and annual Retail Excellence Awards are a continuous motivation for all of us in offering our customers just that little bit more than they have already become to expect from us. The owner-network meetings are day we never miss – I always leave full of enthusiasm with new ideas and most of all with the confirmation that we as retailers all face the same challenges. As a retailer I am very grateful that Retail Excellence Ireland is constantly bringing the attention of our government to the needs of the Irish Retailers. Together we do have a voice as retailers. "

Lamber de Bie - Lamber de Bie Flowers