Quinn's Supply Stores, Edgeworthstown set for big 150th anniversary celebration

Quinn's Supply Stores Ltd is celebrating its 150th anniversary in Edgeworthstown this weekend and the owners have described it as a celebration for their family, staff and their loyal customers.

Co-owner Hugh Quinn and his brother Patrick are the fifth generation of the family to run the business and they are immensely proud of the rich history.

Having been established back in 1875, Quinn's Supply Stores has gone from strength to strength in the intervening years, and all this despite numerous recessions and changes in attitude.

Hugh, who has worked in the family business for about 35 years, and his brother Patrick succeeded their late father Patrick Snr.

The brothers credit the success of the stores to the loyalty of their customers and 15 dedicated and hardworking staff members.

Hugh took over as director of the company in the year 2000 at a time when his late dad Patrick, who passed away in 2019, was still also a director.

Quinn's Supply Stores boasts a wide range of products at excellent prices and Hugh said because the fifth generation of the Quinn family are now running it, there has been significant knowledge and expertise gathered.

"It's a great milestone really and the day of the anniversary is about getting the community involved and the recognition that we are a community business.

"Giving back to our customers is important to us, which is why we’ll be offering a special discount on the day."

Hugh stated having that level of staff service has helped to deliver fantastic results.

"It comes down to staff and they are the most important thing and we have staff members here for 35 years and for up to 55 years."

Hugh stated they also have a very loyal customer base throughout all of county Longford and into counties Westmeath and Cavan.

"It's nice to recognise that on this day as we celebrate our 150th years."

Hugh said their customers are also 'very generational' and Edgeworthstown has grown significantly in size over recent decades.

"When new people come to town they migrate towards Quinn's Supply Stores as well and it's nice to see that this is one of their first ports of call and they become loyal customers."

Quinn's Supply Stores Ltd became aligned to the 'Topline' brand about two decades ago and since then it has become one of the leading DIY, home furnishing, electrical, and agricultural suppliers in the region.

Hugh said that has been a highlight and a big turning point for the business.

"Topline would be very supportive and would be a very important organisation in the hardware abilities providers side of things.

The store boasts a wide range of products at excellent prices and it is a leading builders providers and hardware store in the Midlands.

Hugh said Quinn's Supply Stores was established in 1875 by Hugh Quinn, his great great grandfather before coming down through the generations.

"Hugh handed it to Patrick who handed it to Hugh and he handed it to our father) Patrick and he handed it to me and my brother Patrick and that is where we are here now in the fifth generation."

Hugh said they are very proud of the long and distinguished history of the family business and both his and Patrick's children are now developing their interest.

Hugh said eight years ago they opened a new branch in Granard, which was 'another big turning point' in expanding.

"We are constantly looking for new avenues, new ways and we are very flexible and agile in that we change our business to suit the times and our customers."

Hugh said there is excitement ahead of the 150th birthday celebrations on Saturday.

"The main centre piece is that Sam Maguire will be here around 11am for anyone who wants to take their picture with the cup or get up close to it."

Hugh said they also have Shannonside broadcasting from the shop window, a reptile zoo arriving displaying their wares, a special spin the wheel competition with some attractive prizes and a big raffle on the day where they will be giving away half a tonne of coal, paint and an Amazon fire tablet.

"It's about giving back to the community so we are having a 15% off sale on the day with the proceeds of that 15% being donated to the Edgeworthstown District Development Association for the opening of their charity shop and Edgeworthstown GAA towards the opening of their new clubhouse.

"It is a significant milestone and we had to mark it and it's only going to happen once.

"So we will enjoy this day and hopefully everyone will enjoy it as well and we give away lots of prizes, give people lots of value and hopefully they will have a good time."

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