Gala is a convenience shop chain in Ireland. Established in 1998, as of 2021 Gala had approximately 250 shops nationwide,[1] all under franchise. The symbol group is supplied by a number of independent wholesalers which were formerly part of the National Wholesale group (now known as Stonehouse).[2][3] In 2008, the brand recognised its tenth year in business.[4] Gary Desmond is the chief executive officer.[5]
In 1998, the National Wholesale Grocers Alliance, a buying group of independent cash and carry outlets, launched Gala Retail Services Limited. The launch represented an attempt to replicate models operated by the BWG Foods' Spar chain and the Musgrave-owned Centra chain.[citation needed] It followed the entry of Costcutter, a UK-based convenience store group, to the Irish market.[6]
As of 2005, Gala was operating stores under three brands: "Gala", "Gala Superstore" and "Checkout".[7] In 2019, the group began the changeover of "Checkout" branded stores to a new facia called "Your Stop".[citation needed]
Gala Retail Services Limited coordinates the franchise services for the retailers such as central billing, store development, fresh food advice, marketing, training and information technology, while wholesale members supply stores with goods.[citation needed]
From 2018 to 2023, BWG Foods acquired three Gala wholesale members, including 4 Aces Wholesale and Tuffys Wholesale,[8][9] and is now the largest supplier to the symbol group.[citation needed]
Sponsorship
Gala sponsors Gradam Chumarsáide an Oireachtais,[10] and the Irish Special Olympics Team.[11]
↑ "National Wholesale to launch Gala chain of symbol stores". Irish Independent. 25 June 1998. Retrieved 25 April 2024. [National] Wholesale Co-op [..] is setting up its own chain of symbol group stores called Gala. The move follows an increase in competition in the retail sector, as the UK group Costcutter [..] has entered the Irish market recently
↑ "Gala camogie championship is launched". Bray People. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2025. Gala, the Championship's title sponsor for the past two years [since 2006], has pledged its support for camogie for a further three years
↑ "Camogie President calls for more progress". rte.ie. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2025. Following five years as championship sponsors Gala Retail Services ended its sponsorship of the Camogie Championship earlier this year [2011]
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