The Soundz of Muzic celebrates 10 years in business
“A DECADE in business” is music to the ears of Kit Dunlop and the team at The Soundz of Muzic in Kenmare who celebrate ten years in business in 2019.
The store has been prominent in Henry Street’s trading landscape for almost a quarter of century.
Initially, the store was opened by John Rubin at No 36 Henry Street (now Mick and Jimmy’s restaurant), and after transferring the business to No 9 Henry Street, John went into partnership with Kit.
But a change is as good as a rest and following major refurbishment, Kit took over the business on the 1 January 2009. As we all know, that date signalled the start of the recession. The Soundz of Muzic has not only survived, but it continues to flourish.
The local community are great supporters of the shop, as is the influx of tourists to Kenmare every year.
“It’s all thanks to the support we receive from locals. We appreciate their custom and we would also like to thank the local schools and local clubs for the part they have played in our story over the last 10-years,” Kit said.
The shop stocks an extensive selection of CDs and is best known for the enormous variety of musical instruments that adorn the walls. The shop still retains its imaginative and creative vibe - something that permeates from every corner of the shop.
But accolades are nothing new for The Soundz of Muzic. In 2013 it was selected as one of the 12 winning shops, nationally, as part of the Irish Times ‘Best Shops in Ireland’ awards. This was a great honour that gave everyone connected with the shop a huge sense of pride. Staff continuity is also important in the store and Kit has been supported for the last 10 years by his wife Mary and by Nathan Bartlett and John Meskell – both of whom are well known in Kenmare’s vibrant music scene.
“We’ve basically traded right through the rescission, while our Irish Times award definitely helped put us on the map. Kenmare is a great town full of interesting shops, and has a tourist season that is well spread out through the year. But it’s the locals who are here all year round that have been a major part of our success in the last 10 years. Here’s to the next 10!” said Kit.