Family run K&S Group celebrates 30 years of growth
By Maurice Garvey
FAMILY run sports and workwear company K&S Group is celebrating 30 years in business.
Established in 1988, the business is run by Kevin Smith and his three sons, Kenneth (Sales Director), Stuart (Marketing Manager) and Kevin Junior (Manager Sports Section).
Staff from K&S celebrating 30 years in business
K&S Group operate a number of different sections, including two Active Sportswear stores in Rathcoole and the Long Mile Road, an Embroidery and Print Department, plus a Safety Super Store on the Long Mile Road.
Employing 18 staff in total, the group’s Active Sportswear stores are synonymous with a range of well-known brands like Snickers and Caterpillar.
However, there is something to suit everybody’s budget, according to Kevin Snr.
“We like to have an upmarket version of the high street shop, the stores are classy, clean, but there is good variety,” he said.
“If you haven’t got the budget for a €100 item, we have other products suitable for customers.”
Initially, the business was located in the North Strand, but they made the decision to move to Greenogue Business Park in 1997 and haven’t looked back.
Stuart Smith said: “The main reason for us opening the retail units is because we managed to maintain a very good working relationship with the top brands in personal protective equipment. This allowed us to display the top ranges like Snickers, Pro-Job, Caterpillar, Regatta, and many more top brands under one roof, providing customers with a wide variety of brands to choose from. If we have all the top brands at competitive prices, there is no need to shop around.
“K&S Group success has been built on solid foundations of a family management. What started off as a small business with two family members now has grown into 18 strong employees and two separate divisions, safety products and sportswear.
“We used a variety of ways to grow the business through separate media outlets from websites to radio advertisement programme, and when we opened on the Long Mile Road, The Echo gave us a lift through advertising within the local area.
“At K&S we strive to provide top quality products at competitive prices, and an excellent customer service. If we can maintain these key points we can only see a bright future for the K&S Group, and hopefully further growth will be achieved.”
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