Trading since 1936, PJ Kelly’s Homevalue in Westport, Co. Mayo has been honoured for achieving exceptional standards at the third-ever United in Excellence Awards.
The long-standing family-business won the coveted ‘Regional Store in Connacht Award’ at a gala event which was hosted by comedian Mario Rosenstock at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan in mid-October. The event saw the presentation of 33 awards over various key business categories such as paint, customer service, light hardware and DIY, merchanting and best regional store.
As part of the nomination process, every group member store across the entire network must comply with a strict set of criteria to ensure that the highest possible standards are continuously upheld. This involves an assessment by store operations, which also includes an independent mystery shopper audit by an external third party. At the awards ceremony, a cheque for more than €20,000 was presented to the Peter McVerry Trust, United Hardware’s chosen charity.
“We’re delighted with the award. It’s great recognition for all the hard work and dedication our team have put in to ensure we continue to grow and meet the expectations of our customers,” PJ Kelly’s Homevalue owner Dermot Kelly enthuses.
“We have everything our customers need under one roof, from DIY products to full construction supplies and materials. Our mission is to provide our customers with a friendly, knowledgeable and value-for-money service. We want to give them the best customer experience there is.
“We have developed strong relationships with generations of families going back over the last 86 years. We strive to be strong on price, product range and customer service. We tailor to your individual needs and offer expert advice. Our very loyal and experienced staff have been key to building strong customer relationships.
“Our people are our greatest asset. They’re what makes it work.”
United Hardware Group CEO Paul Candon says: “The United in Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate best in class offerings, standards and customer service across the industry. Our winning members have significantly raised the bar when it comes to excellence in retailing, and have proven that they are the very best hardware stores in Ireland.
“The awards come at a particularly interesting time for our sector as we emerge from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and we face new challenges in the future. They present a timely milestone to reflect on our journey since our last awards in 2019, and to acknowledge the incredible efforts made by all stores and the hardware sector in responding to and supporting the communities in which they operate throughout the pandemic.”
The ‘Regional Store in Connacht Award’ completed a hat-trick of successes for PJ Kelly’s Homevalue which achieved the accolade of ‘Best Merchanting Store in Connacht’ at the previous two United in Excellence Awards in 2018 and ’19. PJ Kelly’s Homevalue is a third-generation family business founded by Dermot’s grandfather PJ Kelly. Dermot’s uncle, also PJ, and father Harry subsequently ran it before he took up the reins.
“My father was in construction before taking over the running of the shop in 1989 following my uncle PJ’s passing. I joined him in 2000 and have been here ever since,” explains Dermot, who employs 15 people.
Proud to be part of the Westport community, PJ Kelly’s Homevalue moved from Castlebar Street to a purpose-built premises in Westport Industrial Park in 2018.
“We outgrew our original store during the Celtic Tiger years, but remained there until four years ago when we relocated to a bigger and better premises. We can operate more efficiently there and have a bigger stock holding. It’s also easier to access for our customers.
“We cater mostly for building contractors, self-builders, plumbers, painters, decorators, electricians and DIY enthusiasts. Our premises includes a traditional trade counter, paint-mixing machine, flooring, doors, bathroom, homeware, workwear and power tool display areas, and much more besides. We stock everything from slates, timber and plywood to fuel and garden products.”
Among the leading brands PJ Kelly’s Homevalue represents are Glennon Brothers Timber, Fleetwood Paint, Mannok Insulation, Velux Windows, Gypsum, Sika Waterproofing, Cembrit Building Materials, Bostik Waterproofing, and Rockwool Insulation.
PJ Kelly’s has been a member of Homevalue – or Associated Hardware as it was then known – since its inception in the 1970s. Homevalue is one of Ireland’s leading DIY, hardware and homeware groups with a network of over 90 guaranteed Irish accredited stores nationwide who are committed to providing the best range of products at the lowest price.
Whether you’re building, repairing, improving, furnishing or decorating your home, Homevalue has got you covered. Homeowners, DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople all know that Homevalue means real value and real expertise.
As Ireland’s leading buying and marketing group for builders’ merchants, DIY and home and garden retail stores, United Hardware’s primary aim is to offer its independent members combined buying power which will enable them to remain competitive in an environment dominated by large chains.
As PJ Kelly’s Homevalue continues to go from strength to strength, Dermot Kelly would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their support, and his staff for their hard work, loyalty and expertise.
Opening hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday-Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
PJ Kelly’s Homevalue
Unit 17,
19 Newport Road,
Creggaunnahorna,
Westport Industrial Park,
Co. Mayo,
F28 YA34.
Telephone: 098 25500
Web: www.pjkelly.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March 2023, Vol 9 No 3
