Popular Naas bookstore Barker & Jones wins 'Book Shop of the Year' in Independent Retail Awards

By Kim O'Leary Earlier this week Barker & Jones in Naas was awarded ‘Book Shop of the Year’ on Monday 1 October at the inaugural Irish Independent Retail Awards at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel in Dublin. Nominations came pouring in from all corners of Ireland in an attempt to highlight the contributions and value of independent retailers to the local communities they operate within, and the popular Barker & Jones Naas was nominated by its customers. Speaking to KildareNow, Kate Hayes Store Manager of Barker & Jones Naas said: “It’s fabulous to be recognised amongst all the other fabulous independent book shops around the country. We were nominated by our customers and it’s great that they think well enough of us to vote for us in the ‘Book Shop of the Year’ category.” On Monday, four members of staff including Kate Hayes Store Manager, Eimear, Catriona, and Jason attended the black-tie awards ceremony which took place at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel in Dublin. [caption id="attachment_251222" align="alignnone" width="322"] Photo: Kate Hayes, Store Manager of Barker & Jones, Naas with Catriona, Eimear and Jason receiving the BOOK SHOP OF THE YEAR Award at the inaugural Irish Independent Retail Awards 2018 at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel[/caption]       Barker & Jones Naas is an Irish owned, family run bookshop located in Naas since 2005 and it is a sister company to The Book Centre who are in business in Ireland since 1798. They have bookshops located in Naas, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny.   A spokesperson for the Irish Independent Retail Awards 2018, said: “Although in our first year, these awards attempted to recognise the ongoing commitment from those who treat every customer as a friend, stand as an important part of local communities, where their great service and value, result in the return of loyal locals to their retail stores. We really appreciate the response from the Irish public that was so keen to get involved in our nomination process and voted for some incredible independent retailers. The competition was fierce this year and therefore we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements.”