Online keeps Galway SME hopeful for future despite a turbulent year for businesses

It’s been a difficult year for Irish SMEs as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on sales margins – but Connemara-based Rí na Mara has found a buoyancy aid through e-commerce.

The skincare business, which was founded by Deirdre and Seamus Mac Chathmhaoil in 2004, has never been more reliant on online sales, which, Deirdre says are an essential driver of sales.

Alongside its own website, Rí na Mara joined eBay in 2019 as a way to reach new customers, a move that proved fruitful, especially over the past few months.

“Since COVID-19 hit, trading online has become an essential element for our business and we were fortunate to have our eBay store up and running and taking orders,” she said.

“Normally our sales are split 25% online 75% instore, but since March 2020 this has drastically changed, with 60% of sales coming from online and 40% instore,” she added.

Tyrone native Deirdre studied nursing and cosmetic science in college before making a move to London where she worked in a dermatology clinic.

Returning to Ireland to An Spidéal in 1990, she decided to combine her local know-how on the health benefits of seaweed with her knowledge of dermatology. This led to her creating the luxury skincare range we know and love today.

Over the years, the husband and wife duo has built up a strong network of stocklists in Ireland, with Rí na Mara now stocked in health stores, pharmacies, hotel spas and gift shops nationwide.

Having conquered the Irish market, and not one to back away from a challenge, Deirdre then decided to expand Rí Na Mara overseas.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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