A mystery shopper has been visiting Cork businesses.

Happily, what they uncovered during their investigations has put five city shops into Retail Excellence Ireland’s top 100 stores.

Chosen from more than 700 entries, the award recognises ‘superior commitment to customer service excellence and customer engagement’.

The five Cork city centre stores included are:

• Vibes and Scribes bookshop on Lavitts Quay
• Diane O’Mahony Jewellers on Winthrop Street
• The Kilkenny Shop on Emmet Place,
• Specsavers on Opera Lane
• The visitors shop at Nano Nagle Place on Douglas Street

Earlier this year, Cork City was the first city in Europe to launch a Customer Service Charter, developed with the assistance of CIT School of Business. The City Centre Forum and the Local Enterprise Office are also planning two significant customer service events over the coming months.

“We have worked closely with the City Centre Forum over the last two years to provide customer service training and supports to businesses as part of the Cork City Customer Service Charter.” says Paul Mc Guirk, Head of Local Enterprise, Cork City.

“The fact that four of the five city centre businesses have undertaken this training is testament to the success of this.”

Joan Lucey, owner of Vibes and Scribes and one of the main advocates for Cork City’s customer service movement, added: “Customers now want a real connection and a very high-quality service, so we all need to look regularly at our offering.”