Pamela Scott gives flagship store on Grafton Street €500k makeover

PAMELA Scott, the family-owned Irish retail fashion chain, has invested close to €500,000 in a revamp of its flagship store on Grafton Street.

The group, which owns 25 shops around Ireland, is also planning to open two new shops outside of Dublin before Christmas.

It will upgrade existing shops in the group to reflect the contemporary colours and layout of the upgraded Grafton Street shop.

Twelve shops in the chain, which is owned by the Barron family, exited examinership in 2013 after agreeing new rent deals.

Richard Barron, buying director said “Trading has been very difficult in the city centre, but with the Luas work nearing completion, new stores coming to Grafton Street and Brown Thomas investing millions in its store, it was time for us to do something.” Pamela Scott has been on Grafton Street for 40 years.

Scott Barron, operations director, said that the business has seen a 6pc increase in sales across the group in the financial year to the end of August. However, the Barrons remain cautious about the recovery. “The last three months we’ve seen an uplift. We’re not sure if that’s what we’ve done instore or if the environment is changing,” he said.

Online sales are up 50pc from a small base, and the group hopes they will account for 7pc of sales in two years.

As well as overhauling the shop, the Barrons have invested in staff training, introducing a personal shopper to improve customer experience.

Robert Barron, the group’s marketing director said that the strategy included bringing in new brands exclusive to Pamela Scott aimed at the over 40s. New labels include Opus and Cartoon.