Write a comment
Enya McAteer, Manager of Mulkerns SPAR, Jonesborough has been named in a prestigious national 30 under 30 list of retailers across the UK.
Enya is one of only two from Northern Ireland to appear on the inaugural list produced by RN Magazine.
Described as ‘the young innovators shaping the future of independent convenience retail’, the list is a first for the popular publication which sought to find and celebrate the next generation of independent retailers; “those who were seizing the initiative and taking advantage of new opportunities in an industry that is constantly evolving”, according to the RN 30 Under 30 editor, Charles Whitting.
Enya, who recently picked up the Convenience Rising Star award at the Convenience Awards in London, has been described as a strategist in the list, using data from sales and order analysis to inform fresh stock orders, and creating strategic six-month plans for the business.
Commenting on her achievement, Enya said; “The past couple of years have been a completely new learning experience, and as store managers who had to change things overnight, we had to think on our feet. That’s retailing, and it’s knowing who your customer is and what they want and expect from their local store.
“Working as an independent retailer with the Mulkerns family has enhanced my career immensely. They’ve trusted me with their Jonesborough store and alongside my team, we have taken on the challenge and delivered. I am so proud of our store and team, and really proud to be on RN’s 30 Under 30 list amongst some of the top independent retailers in the UK.”
And while the list celebrates the stars of the future, Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group which owns the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland says these are retailers making a difference here and now.
Paddy commented; “Enya is one of the store managers who has stepped up and gone above and beyond for their local community when they needed their local stores most. Independent retailing in Northern Ireland is the standard to beat across the UK – only recently the Mulkerns team brought home no less than six awards from national awards ceremonies in London. They set the bar alongside their peers here, and Enya’s spot on this list is more than deserved. Congratulations!”
RN’s 30 Under 30 supplement is available to read with RN Magazine’s November issue, on sale now.
