SUPERQUINN ... Amazing But Not as Amazing as Its Founder

If you've never met or seen Feargal Quinn, you've missed a lot. He has more energy than a Leprachaun after a quart of Monster drink - and more great experiences, stories - - and stores too. I met him while we were both presenting at the FMI Conference almost 20 years ago. He - and his thick Irish accent - were mesmerizing - but not as much as his enthusiasm for retailing and innovation. He's the founder of one of the most creative retailers in the world, called Superquinn. And he is now Senator Quinn.

Seeing that Ireland was one of my first stops on this quest, I asked Senator Quinn which stores he thought were the best in the world and he gave me a complete list with some surprises. The biggest surprise was that his store, Superquinn, was not on the list. I can assure you that this is unfounded modesty - for he was on many other retailing experts' lists. When asked, he told me that the store of his I should visit was in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

A wonderfully Irish taxicab driver gave me a lively ride to the brand new Blanchardstown Superquinn regailing me with stories about the founder, Senator Feargal Quinn.

SHREWD & CUSTOMER FRIENDLY
I first noticed the parking at Superquinn. All stores offer parking for the disabled; some stores offer special parking for pregnant women (or men, I suppose) or new moms. But Superquinn offers parking for families with children. Smart.

The excitement continued at the entry where the shoppers encountered a wall of 21st century technology in the form of hand-held scanners available to shopper card holders. These hand-held scanners enable shoppers to scan their items while they shop - informing them of special sales and other tips. I'm not sure who likes this idea more - the customers or the operations people. In this grand opening week, these scanners were passed out and explained by two little, grey haired women who could have been "me mother." I couldn't get past them. They wanted to help me, tell me stories, see how they could help, explain how the scanners worked. I wanted to take them home with me. This "trick" is known as "Taming the Technology Monster" ... 2 little old women explaining high tech to customers ... not a teenage geek to remind me how 20th century I really am.

Superquinn Cafe Refresh

Once inside, the store includes an inviting area to sit and relax called Café Refresh. After getting pleasantly knocked over by the bakery smell, you enter what gives the impression of a 21st century bazaar of perishable products - meat, produce, seafood, cheese, deli, bakery, etc. In fact, even the beautiful wood floors give the impression of the exciting cobblestoned market atmosphere in parts of Dublin.

Senator Quinn's stores are incredible. But that aside, Senator Feargal Quinn is a great man - not only in my book by his kindness, creativity and enthusiasm, but also in the hearts of his fellow countrymen.