Outstanding retail achievements were celebrated at the 2025 ShelfLife National C-Store Awards, which took place on 20 November at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

Now marking its 25th anniversary, the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards remain Ireland’s only comprehensive and independently judged honours dedicated to the convenience store sector. Over the years, the event has become a true benchmark for excellence, shining a spotlight on the very best in retail from across the country.

The black-tie gala welcomed almost 450 guests from across the retail, wholesale, and supplier sectors for an evening of celebration, networking, and fundraising in support of colleagues within the grocery trade. The leading names in the industry were greeted with a bubbly reception, setting the tone for a memorable night of recognition and camaraderie.

The ceremony was hosted by returning master of ceremonies, RTÉ radio and television personality Marty Whelan, with an address from John McDonald, publisher of ShelfLife.

SPAR Junction 14, Mayfield, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare achieved the pinnacle of success in the Irish retail industry, being named Supreme Champion – National Convenience Store of the Year 2025 at the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards. The store triumphed against strong competition to secure this ultimate accolade during the prestigious ceremony.

In total, 41 awards were presented, recognising outstanding stores, staff, and initiatives across a wide range of categories.

Commenting on the high standard of entrants this year, John McDonald, publisher, ShelfLife, said: “The ShelfLife C-Store Awards imposes a rigorous judging process on the industry. In an environment where store operating costs have been increasing due to government mandated interference and quality staff are hard to come by, the shortlisted stores in this year’s ShelfLife programme have delivered outstanding quality.

“We are happy to vouch for the standards on display at these exceptional stores across the entire country. It is a testament to the sector’s resilience and continued investment at store and standard level by retailers and the symbol group franchises that support them. I am delighted to announce that overall standards have shown significant improvement.

“The stores being honoured in this year’s programme are world class. They are operated by entrepreneurial owners with best-in-class managers and are supported by symbol group operators and the wider trade. On behalf of ShelfLife I’m happy to share our congratulations with all of those who have made the shortlist and to wish everybody at the awards ceremony a great evening and a successful Christmas trading period.”