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Town Centre Manager calls on Dundalk shops to open on St Patrick's Day
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Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager Andrew Mawhinney is urging as many town centre store owners as possible to open their shops on St Patrick's Day to capitalise on extra footfall in the town centre.
Traditionally, most town centre shops remain closed on the national holiday. However, Mr Mawhinney said opening for business when Dundalk is full of potential customers is too good an opportunity to ignore - especially in the current economic climate.
"Thousands of people flock into Dundalk town centre for the St Patrick's Day Parade and, rather than just window shopping, some people would take the chance to have a leisurely shop while they are in town, particularly if they have a Nice One Gift Card they want to use.
"It has to be disappointing - for instance - for someone to see an outfit they might like to try on, and then realise the shop is closed on the day they are in town!"
Mr Mawhinney added that capitalising on extra footfall is essential in such economic times.
“Obviously we are all deeply disappointed with business closures in Dundalk, and in particular stores closing on Clanbrassil Street.
“Unfortunately it is something that is being experienced nationwide, with entire chains of stores closing down throughout the country, although that is no additional comfort when it does happen.
“On a positive note, I am aware of a number of outlets in discussions as regards opening for business on Clanbrassil Street and I feel that it has to be a team effort. We all have to put our best foot forward, the Town Council , Town Centre Commercial Management and existing retailers.
“Opening on St Patrick’s Day shows Dundalk still wants to do business whenever the opportunity arises.”
Opening town centre shops would also prevent many people heading elsewhere on St Patrick's Day, Mr Mawhinney added.
"Towns and cities less than an hour's drive from Dundalk are opening their businesses on the public holiday. Hopefully, opening Dundalk shops could prevent at least some local customers shopping elsewhere."
Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Management (TCCM) has taken a keen interest in this year's St Patrick's Day celebrations, as sponsors of the Parade itself and as the brains behind the Best of Irish Food Week, which runs from March 10-17.
The Best of Irish Food Week will see eateries throughout Dundalk offering diners a special Irish dish created with local produce.
Andrew Mawhinney said Dundalk TCCM involvement in the St Patrick's Week celebrations is part of a team effort to encourage people to visit Dundalk town centre.
"The parade is getting better each year, which is the reason why people are coming into the town centre in the first place. On top of that, there is a great day of family fun planned and we have organised the Best of Irish Food Week so there'll be top quality cuisine on offer.
"Everyone is working together to make St Patrick's Day a great day out in Dundalk which is why I'm encouraging as many shop owners as possible to open their doors and welcome customers with a great Cead Mile Failte!"
For a full list of St Patrick's Week events, The Square event guide is available free of charge in outlets throughout Dundalk. It is also available online at www.niceonedundalk.ie
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