The past week saw the closure of one of Irelands best loved Independent Stores, Mc Elhinneys Athboy closed the doors last weekend. Analysis of the reasons behind this huge loss are for others to make but our agency has been a customer of Mc Elhinneys for over thirty years. Independent stores are under severe pressure , high rents and rates, high wages and the growth of large shopping centres are all in the blame mix. There is a slight upturn in the retail sector but times are tough and buyers tell me daily of the struggles they are encountering. Anyone who says they are having an easy time are not being altogether truthful, wishful thinking perhaps? Trading patterns seem to be erratic with some days being good, some weeks being good and others challenging. On the other hand moaning and groaning through the day is certainly no help to recovery. As an agent I can only listen and offer my own realistic assessment of the situation.
Our show rooms has had a very busy week and for once I have been sitting back and letting someone else do the showing. Whirlwind young designer Heidi Higgins has been showcasing her collection and I have been fascinated watching a designer taking customers through her own creations. In between customers I helped to organise the photo shoot, which is taking place this Friday at Kildangen Stud in Kildare. We have been borrowing Falke hosiery from Arnotts, shoes and gloves from Paula Rowan, Boots from Fitzpatricks, Jewellery from Rebecca Davis and hats from Milliner Linda McKay. I will be bringing the lunch for the crew ( cheese, crusty bread and lots of coffee) and my camera to capture all the behind the scenes action which I’m looking forward to blogging about next week.
In the meantime have a very fashionable week ahead…
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