Prime retail space back on market as three businesses restructure
RENTS AND RATES CITED AS A KEY FACTOR FOR SOME PROPRIETORS INVOLVED
THREE prime town centre retail premises are back on the market in Gorey this month, following the relocation or restructuring of three businesses.
The 34th boutique on Main Street is closing its doors after three years, but proprietor Sinead O’Sullivan said that there were no job losses as the staff members will continue to work in her other two outlets in Gorey – Fifth Avenue and Kool Kidz. She thanked all the customers of The 34th for their support over the years.
She commented that footfall at that end of town was a worry, especially with the recent closure of Centra, but there was also increased competition from online retailers, and she encouraged people to continue to shop locally to protect local jobs.
Further down Main Street, Mary Wafer Interiors, which occupied a prime spot in the old AIB Bank at the corner of Main Street, has now relocated to 3 The Lodge, Charlotte Row. Mary thanked her customers for their continued support, as she continues to be busy providing an individual design service to her customers and for show houses.
On McDermott Street, Matthew Dent, the Cake Creator, has closed his three-storey premises, but is still operational in Arklow. He said he hopes to return to Gorey with a smaller retail outlet, but to keep his bakery in Arklow.
Again, he thanked his customers for their continued support. He said that high rates and rent in Gorey were a factor in his decision to close the premises. ‘Rates are just phenomenal and they won’t do anything for you,’ he said, adding that he was also unable to renegotiate his rent.
He said he was paying €50,000 in rates and rent per year which, he said, was crippling his business.
Dick White, CEO of Gorey Chamber, said the closures were ‘cyclical, to an extent’.
‘January is the time of year where you can have movement in business,’ he said. ‘The year end allows everybody to focus on the bottom line figures.’
‘These premises will be up for lease again and I have no doubt they will be filled before too long,’ he said. ‘I know of interest in at least one premises already, and that gives a sense of the view people have of doing business in Gorey.’
‘Some businesses restructure, paving the way for others to utilise the properties available,’ he added. ‘In all cases, the businesses are still operational in a slightly different model, which is a good sign.’
He added that he understands that the former Centra shop has been leased for retail again, which will be ‘a boost for that block’ on Main Street.
He pointed out that a new bridal shop has just opened on Esmonde Street and a new vape shop and a new phone shop opened on Main Street before Christmas.
He added that the former Bolacreen restaurant is also set to be redeveloped for commercial use which will be another boost for that section of Main Street.