Nearby’s community cornerstone
After four decades at the heart of Knocknaganny, this family-run Nearby store continues to thrive by putting people, produce, and community first, Ryan Brennan reports
Print20 February 2026
For 40 years, this Christie’s Nearby Sligo has been far more than a place to pick up the weekly shop. It has been a meeting point, a workplace, a training ground and, for many locals, a constant through decades of change. Rooted in family ownership and community values, the store’s story is one of quiet resilience, steady evolution and a deep commitment to serving the people who walk through its doors every day.
Built on family foundations
The business’s journey began in earnest in 1985, when Al and Margaret Murphy took over the supermarket from Al’s brother, Christy. From the outset, the couple set out to grow the store as a family-run operation, guided by strong personal relationships and a clear understanding of what their customers needed.
In 1995, the business was formally incorporated, marking a significant milestone and laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability. Al and Margaret became well-known figures locally, steering the store through economic highs and lows, changing shopping habits and increasing competition.
That legacy entered a new chapter in 2023, when leadership passed to the next generation. Their daughter, Deirdre, took over the reins, ensuring the business remained firmly in family hands. While Al has since taken a well-earned retirement, the hope is that the store will continue to pass from one generation to the next.
As Deirdre puts it, the store likes to think of itself as “a small business with a very big heart, built on strong community foundations that underpin the Nearby brand and its values.”
Serving a close-knit community
Located in the locally built Knocknaganny townland, the store serves a close-knit community as well as surrounding areas. That sense of connection is evident in the loyalty shown by customers, many of whom have shopped there across generations.
Giving back is a core part of the business ethos. The store regularly supports local charities and community groups and works closely with nearby colleges, offering students valuable work-experience opportunities. These initiatives not only strengthen community ties but also reflect the store’s belief in investing in the future.
Investing in quality and freshness
While tradition runs deep, the business has not stood still. In 2024, the store made a significant investment in upgrading its butchery department, installing new refrigeration to improve efficiency and ensure the highest standards of freshness and quality.
The upgrade has paid dividends. Under the management of butcher manager Martin, butchery sales have grown by an impressive 20% year on year. One of the strongest drivers of this growth has been increasing demand for freshly prepared, ready-to-cook meals.
“This reflects how customer lifestyles are changing,” Martin explains, noting that shoppers want quality, convenience and value without compromise.
Local sourcing also plays a key role. All beef and lamb are supplied from within a 40km radius, while potatoes travel directly from nearby farmers’ fields to store shelves. This short supply chain supports local producers while delivering freshness that customers can trust.
A team that makes the difference
Inside the Nearby store
With 17 staff members, eight full-time and nine part-time, the store prides itself on a workplace culture built on teamwork, respect and loyalty. Staff turnover is notably low, and multiple generations of employees have worked there over the years.
Training and development are central to the store’s philosophy. Many former employees have gone on to careers as airline pilots, doctors, physiotherapists and even world martial arts champions. The family likes to think the store played a small role in helping them on their journey.
Store manager Anthony is a standout example of loyalty, having been with the business for 30 years. He has trained countless staff members and, even after three decades, still enjoys coming to work each day.
Ann, accounts manager, who has been with the store since the very beginning, says she feels “so fortunate to have spent my life working for such a kind and caring family.”
Teresa, checkout supervisor, adds that customers are no longer just customers: over the years, “they’ve become friends.”
Standing out in a competitive market
In-store butchers
Asked what truly sets the store apart, the answer is simple: people. Friendly, personal service remains its greatest asset, combined with strong value for money and an unusually broad product range.
That range is supported by the store’s wholesale partner, S&W Wholesale, which offers access to more than 8,000 product lines. This breadth allows the store to meet diverse customer needs while maintaining competitive pricing.
Support from S&W extends beyond supply. Dedicated business development manager Stephen works closely with the team on pricing strategies and buying habits, ensuring shelves are stocked with the right mix for local shoppers. Marketing support is equally important, with bespoke consumer campaigns, POS kits and access to the S&W Retailer Hub.
The hub provides daily-use resources, from social media assets to tools that allow the team to create and print their own in-store materials, helping drive footfall and sales.
Value in challenging times
Off-license range
During the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the store has worked hard to protect customers from rising prices, absorbing increases where possible. A key initiative is the Bring Home the Value section, which focuses on everyday essentials and refreshes on a three-week cycle to reflect what the community needs most.
“Absolutely, value matters more than ever,” the team says, emphasising their commitment to staying competitive while maintaining quality.
Looking ahead
Community involvement continues beyond the shop floor. Martin is actively involved as a hurling coach with the local GAA club, reinforcing the store’s presence in daily community life.
For Ailish, a family member who grew up working in the store, every purchase matters. As one of the last remaining family-run businesses in the area, she says each sale directly impacts the store’s survival.
Four decades on, the business remains grounded in the principles that shaped it from the start: family ownership, local loyalty, quality food and genuine human connection. In an era of rapid retail change, Christie’s Nearby Sligo stands as a reminder that community-focused retail still has a powerful role to play.
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