Gala retailers rally to help local communities during Covid-19
In time of crisis, Gala retailers are offering home delivery, Senior Sundays, and order and collection services
Print25 March 2020
Gala retailers across Ireland are coming up with creative and innovative solutions to ensure their stores stay open, that all customers have access to essential items, and that customers who are self-isolating can continue to receive the goods that they require.
Senior Sundays, introducing home delivery, order and collect services, and donating meals to the elderly and vulnerable are just some of the measures that Gala Retail stores across the country are taking to help their communities at this time of crisis.
As public safety is the number one priority for retailers, measures have been taken to ensure social distancing in stores and to reduce face-to-face contact for customers and employees where possible. Excellent standards of hygiene have been applied in all stores and to all new retail solution services such as home delivery and grocery collection.
“The Gala Group is incredibly proud of each and every one of our retailers, who are prioritising the safety of their customers and teams, whilst continuing to serve their local communities during this time of uncertainty,” said Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail. “Gala stores remain open and have implemented strict hygiene and social distancing measures in order to continue to safely serve the needs of their customers.
“The actions of our retailers embody the community ethos of the Gala Retail, and we’re proud to support our stores’ dedication to their local communities, especially during this difficult time.”
Gala stores across the country are offering a range of services to their customers. Harkin’s Gala in Ballybofey, Donegal is offering a free daily meal and delivery to the vulnerable and over 70s; Gala Oakpark in Kerry and Sam’s Gala in Dunmanway, Cork are both running Senior Sunday shopping hours in their stores between 2-4pm and Dempsey’s Gala in Portarlington, Laois is offering free tea and coffee for all frontline staff.
Mulrooneys Gala has five stores in Ireland – situated at Roscrea, Nenagh, Birr, Lorrha and Portumna. The Mulrooney Group of stores recently introduced several new measures to ensure shoppers have access to the items they need, including the COPE system – Call, Order, Purchase, Enjoy – which allows customers to place orders for collection at its stores.
Paula Mulrooney of Mulrooneys Gala said: “In unprecedented times, we quickly looked at how our stores could service our shoppers safely and more effectively. We’ve swiftly introduced our ‘COPE’ order collection service last week, offering customers the opportunity to place and pay for orders by phone. Staff members pack up the required groceries, whilst adhering to advice on social distancing, and we then make the orders available for collection outside the store.
“The response from our shoppers is very heartening and they’re so appreciative of our extra efforts. Our staff are working 24/7 and we’d like to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment in helping us to ensure the elderly, most vulnerable, and indeed all of our customers have access to ongoing provisions.”
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