In April 2021, after more than a century in the wholesale business, we at S&W rebranded our offering and promised ‘A Whole Lot More’ for our customers. Now, we have made good on our promise as we launched our 50th symbol store – McGrane’s Nearby in Keady.
Completely exclusive to us at S&W Wholesale, Nearby plays a vital part in a wider modernization strategy to help independent retailers forge deeper connections in the local community. Despite the extensive challenges faced during the pandemic, Nearby will continue to operate to the highest standard of safety precautions with the opening of even more new stores planned across the island of Ireland.
“Since the opening of the very first store back in April, we’ve been working to create a high- quality service for both Nearby retailers and their customers instore. The new Nearby stores have been very well received in their local communities with retailers noticing an increased level of footfall in their stores as a direct result of the conversion to Nearby.” Maurice Little – Sales Manager at S&W Wholesale.
With a strong focus on local communities, it was especially fitting that the launch of our 50th store was with a family-run business in the heart of Keady, Co. Armagh. Owned by brothers Tom and Dermot McGrane, the store has been in safe hands for over 40 years and today customers can expect the same great service with the added benefit of it being part of a symbol brand.
Working closely with the team at S&W, Tom and Dermot have spent the last three months planning the conversion to Nearby. The most significant change instore is the introduction of a new Off-Licence known locally as “Vineyard 2020” which will now complete the offering available. With investment also in new refrigeration, additional shelving, a new hot food and deli counter and additional check-out counters the store is now well placed to serve their customers for many more years to come.
“We’ve been serving our local community for over 40 years and can’t wait for our customers to reap the rewards of our new venture as a Nearby store. As part of the Nearby family, we look forward to working with the team to bring great customer service and unrivalled value to the people of Keady and beyond.” Tom McGrane – Owner at Nearby, Keady.
Retailers joining the Nearby family can enjoy all the benefits of a symbol brand while keeping total control over their business. From day one, S&W Wholesale works with store owners and employees to understand what makes their space unique. Unlike other symbol brands, Nearby doesn’t ask for a long term contract, marketing fees or weekly advertising. What we do offer is an attractive brand, bespoke signage, consumer promotional activity, central billing and a dedicated business development manager to guide you with your business needs. Above all, we are ready to help and always ‘Nearby’.
To celebrate the ongoing success of the brand and the opening of their 50th store, the team held a fun-filled launch event at McGrane’s Nearby in Keady. Customers had the chance to win prizes including nearby vouchers, prizes from local suppliers and the latest apple iPad. On the hour every hour there was a basket dash for customers to find an 50th prop in store and return to base within 50 seconds for a chance to win! There was also hot food sampling, wine tasting and customer nearby bags packed full of local supplier goodies and treats.
“The opening of the 50th Nearby store is a big day for us all. We started this journey during the pandemic and to get to this point so quickly is a reflection of the hard work and passion from both our retailers and those behind the scenes at S&W Wholesale. We have big plans for the rest of the year and can’t wait to continue the growth of Nearby – watch this space.” Daniel Comiskey – Brand Marketing Lead at S&W Wholesale.