Lawlor’s Furniture in Ireland’s Top 5 Independent Stores

Graiguecullen’s Lawlor’s Furniture & Flooring has been named one of Ireland’s Top 5 Independent Stores by Retail Excellence Ireland for the second consecutive year, as the business celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Judges once again selected Lawlor’s among the top independent retailers in the country, after it also reached the final five in 2025.

The business is now one of five finalists for the Retail Excellence Ireland Independent Store of the Year 2026. The overall winner will be announced at the Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny on Saturday 10 October.

Founded by Damien Lawlor in 2016, Lawlor’s has grown from Mr Lawlor starting out on his own to a team of nine today, while remaining an independent, family-run business.

The national recognition caps a memorable period for the Graiguecullen firm, which was named Outstanding Small Business of the Year at the County Carlow Chamber Business Awards in 2025.

The founder said receiving national recognition again in the company’s 10th year makes the achievement particularly special.

“To be judged as one of the Top 5 independent stores in Ireland once was a huge achievement for us. To be selected among the Top 5 in the country for a second year running, and to do it as we celebrate 10 years in business, is something we are incredibly proud of,” he said.

“When I look back to starting the business on my own in 2016 and see where we are today with a team of nine, it really puts the journey into perspective.” Paul O’Connor has been with Lawlor’s from the very beginning, and Damien credits Paul and the many staff who have worked with the business over the past decade as central to its success.

“I have been very lucky with the people who have worked with us over the years. Paul has been with me from the very beginning, and to have him still here 10 years later as we celebrate another milestone is very special,” he said.

“We have had some brilliant people work with Lawlor’s over the last decade. Our past and present staff have all played their part in making the business what it is today. You might start a business with your own vision, but you certainly don’t build it on your own.” Over the past decade, Lawlor’s has continued to grow and reinvest in its Graiguecullen operation, developing its furniture and flooring offering and growing the business both locally and nationwide.

Mr Lawlor also credited the loyalty of customers in Carlow and the surrounding areas with providing the foundations for that growth.

“The support we have received locally over the last 10 years has been incredible. There are customers who supported us when we were starting out who are still customers today, and we never take that for granted,” he said.

“Winning the Outstanding Small Business award here in Carlow last year meant a huge amount to us. To follow that by once again being judged among the Top 5 independent stores nationally is fantastic recognition for our entire team.” Looking ahead to the awards night in Kilkenny, Damien said the shortlisting alone was cause for celebration.

“Whatever happens on the night, being recognised among the best independent retailers in Ireland for two consecutive years is something we are extremely proud of.

“For us, it is a fantastic way to mark 10 years of Lawlor’s and to recognise our staff, our customers and everyone who has been part of the business along the way. We are proud of what we have built over the last decade, and we still have plenty of ambition for the years ahead.”