The local grocery store has long been an integral part of Irish life. From the days when items were sold loose or in tins, weighed on large scales and paid for with the familiar ping of the old-style cash register, the corner shop has been a part of Irish society. While the offerings were sparse by today’s standards, the sense of community born from the daily visit to the shop was paramount.
Until the 1940s, these small, family run businesses served customers with locally sourced goods, providing a social space for a warm welcome and conversation. As supermarkets swept the country in the 1960s, the local shop model had to adapt in order to survive and thrive.
Food, Fancies and So Much More:
Now, convenience stores offer customers much more than ever before. Not only do they provide quality produce and a myriad of food staples, but also freshly brewed coffee, mobile phone top-ups and chargers, delicious lunch counters and ready meals.
Whether it’s a battery to be replaced or you need to refuel with crunchy cereal, a taste of chocolate, a bite of warm bread from the oven or a thirst quenching mineral, the local convenience store has it all.
Savour a ’99 melting onto the cone on a warm day or pop in for an array of oat, almond, soya or dairy milk, it’s all on hand at the likes of your local SuperValu, Centra, Spar and Londis.
Even pets are catered for, with a host of dog and cat food available. It’s a one-stop-shop for all of your essentials, whilst retaining that sense of community, where you can stop for a chat.
This customer first approach is what sets the smaller retailer apart from the larger stores. And as deliveries still take place by bicycle or van, the connection to the past is not lost.
In fact, Londis on Newcastle Road in Galway has partnered with your locally owned delivery company WhatsforDinner.ie to bring you the best of goods from their off licence and food hall. You can view the array of delectable food, groceries and essentials by logging on to whatsfordinner.ie