Last week marked the re-opening of many retailers doors across the country after weeks of economic stagnation. So now that we can resume our shopping addictions and fill our materialistic void, what can we do to support our locals?
Resisting the lower price tags that fast fashion stores such as Penneys offer can be difficult, however, the real hardship is felt by the smaller local retailers competing against these global megastores.
Some queue in #Limerick as Penneys re-opens…. pic.twitter.com/M3HeKiDt5a
— Nick Rabbitts (@Nick468official) June 12, 2020
Imagine the same ques we saw lined up outside of Penneys all around the country were dispersed evenly across local and homegrown retailers, the positive impact it would have on hundreds of hard-working Irish families.
Well, we’ve decided to do half the work for you. All you have to do is pull on your comfiest pair of trackies that will make your dressing room experience that bit easier- AND GET SHOPPINGđ.
A List of Homegrown, Irish retailers:
- Folkster
Folkster is an Irish, female-owned, independent brand and store – started by our founder Blanaid Hennessy in Kilkenny. Folkster has two main stores – one in Temple Bar, Dublin 2 and the original store in Kilkenny. You can also visit their stand-alone Folkster Bridal store in Kilkenny, along with a Folkster Vintage & Home store.
- SeoidĂn
SeoidĂn was founded by Maureen Harrison in a small town in the West of Ireland in 1996. SeoidĂn is a Gaelic word meaning âLittle Jewelâ and an Irish females name. Their jewellery is bespoke and one of a kind, designed for all your moments. SeoidĂn pieces are inspired by Ireland – the colours and patterns of our natural environment, our people and their unique personalities. We have over 3,000 unique collections of gold, silver, precious stones and semi-precious stones skilfully crafted in Ireland
- Dubarry of Ireland
In 1937, in the heart of Galway on Irelandâs West Coast, a co-operative company was established to create employment in a small town called Ballinasloe. A joint venture between the local Chamber of Commerce and a family from Northampton, the home of English footwear production. Seeking a continental, European ďŹavour to set them aside from similar Irish brands, the company was named after beautiful French courtesan and mistress of Louis XV, Madame du Barry and Dubarry of Ireland was formed.
The exacting skills of the local craftsmen and women soon earned Dubarry a reputation for excellent workmanship in the design and manufacture of fine leather shoes. Then, as time progressed, increasingly inspired by the wild west coast of Ireland and Galwayâs great sailing heritage, Dubarry began to specialise in the manufacture of leather moccasin deck shoes.
- Louis Copeland
Louis Copeland & Sons have been a family business for four generations. Their heritage traces back to Hyman Coplan. Originally from Lithuania, Hyman Coplan travelled across Europe and arrived in Ireland in the early 1900s. Hyman was a trouser maker working on Parliament Street. After marrying his wife Harriot McCarthy, Coplan changed his name to Copeland, they moved to Capel Street where he also opened a workshop.
- Kinvara Natural Skincare
Kinvara is a plant-powered, results-driven, natural skincare and cruelty-free, vegan, made in Ireland Joanne Reilly, the owner-founder of Kinvara skincare set up her brand nearly five years ago after she grew frustrated with the lack of good skincare available.
The owner said: “I have a doctorate in tropical ecology, working on endangered species, like elephants and rhinos. Fieldwork to Sumatra and earlier expeditions to Mauritius showed me how local people turned to plants as a natural resource, a natural apothecary. So I was very confident that plants held the solution to my skin problems and with that belief in mind I set about making products for myself. Five years on Iâm making products for myself & 1000âs of happy customers all over the world”.
- Easons Book Store
The company was originally founded in 1819 as Johnston & Co. Since that time it has existed through some of the most exciting events in Irish history and has grown to become the main supplier in Ireland of books, newspapers and magazines. It was in the heady days of Parnell and the Land League that Charles Eason and his son acquired the business from W.H. Smith in 1886. During the 19th century, the company was directly involved in the industrial and literary revolutions occurring throughout the country.
Today, Eason and Son have more than 60 outlets in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the flagship being our store in OâConnell Street, Dublin. Throughout the island of Ireland, our shops stock an extensive range of books, newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, and stationery. Some shops also stock music, video, DVDâs, toys, and computer accessories
- Green Angel
Green Angel was founded in 2006 by Chris and Mary Mitchell when they saw a need for a natural skincare brand that really works. Using the very best quality natural raw ingredients has remained the very cornerstone of their business ever since. The seaweed comes from the west coast of Ireland and is packed with vitamins, minerals, iodine, trace elements and iron and the natural essential oils are chosen for their individual qualities.
While allowing retailers to finally re-open is a fantastic thing for our economy, ensuring you do your bit to keep that revenue in OUR Irish economy is going one step further.
When considering buying new shoes, think about our Elverys and Clarks. If you fancy some new bling- walk into your local jewellers. If you’re after a new read, go old school and wander through the isles of your local book store. There are so many options and alternatives available that will allow you the consumer to enjoy your shopping experience while also giving a helping hand to your neighbour!
