ShelfLife – May Issue

Our cover interview this month highlights Lily O’Brien’s milestone 30th anniversary. CEO Michelle Vance caught up with Gillian Hamill to reflect on the sweet success of this Newbridge-based confectioner, which has grown from founder Mary Ann O’Brien’s kitchen to employing 219 people today. Retailer Tommy Macken from Nearby Cabra was the retailer to align with S&W when it launched the Today’s brand in the Republic of Ireland. In this month’s magazine, he tells Fionnuala Carolan why he rebranded to the wholesaler’s latest brand Nearby, and why he recommends it other retailers do the same. Elsewhere, Niall Finn of Higgins Off-Licence in Clonskeagh, which was recently named Redbreast Spirit Specialist of the Year at the 2022 NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards, looks back at his rewarding career, spanning 43 years in the trade. A recent outage by payment services company Opayo shone a light on the frailties of a cashless society and spurred Fionnuala Carolan to explore the pros and cons of a cashless society in this month’s issue.

Meanwhile, Dan White ponders whether predators could come sniffing at M&S? With Ocado’s average customer order falling by 15% to £124 compared to the previous year, White questions the future of the joint venture. Within our monthly Advisor section, Barry Whelan of Excel Recruitment notes the CV mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to scupper your chances of securing a new job, The HR Suite’s Caroline Reidy outlines how to encourage employees to re-establish relationships after bullying and harassment, and Colin Gordon writes that in marketing, the ‘little’ moments in a customer’s interaction with your brand are what ultimately will determine its success.

As always, our category features provide an in-depth look at the trends, brands and innovations driving sales in-store. This month’s issue focuses on sustainable packaging and tobacco as well as several summertime staples – BBQ, ice cream, summer drinks, and soft drinks.