ANOTHER long-established family-owned Limerick business- and a city landmark- is to close next week.
Michael and Terry Murphy have taken the decision to retire from Eve’s Ladies Fashion and Leather shop on Roches Street. The shop first opened 73 years ago when Michael’s grandmother, Winifred Casey, set up at Number 8, and his mother Eithne, now aged 89, took over in 1941. The baton was passed on to Eithne’s son, Michael, 38 years ago.
He told the Limerick Post: “We are looking at the next stage in our life. Trading in the city has become very difficult. The footfall has dropped alarmingly, and rates are crippling. There are other obstacles, too.
“There have been many casualties before us.
“I don’t want to go blaming anybody, but I believe that the government has a role to play in changing the system and offer encouragement to the business sector. Only they can turn Limerick around.
“When I took over, we had 14 people fully employed. Up to a few years ago, we had four departments, bridal wear, ladies fashions, furs and leather.
“We will be sad to leave but the reality is that we are not even at a break-even point. We have entered an era of throwaway clothes... people are not buying quality.
“We always had a very loyal staff and customer base, and we would like to thank them sincerely”.
He recalled the days when Roches Street was vibrant and home to many Limerick owned businesses.
The independently owned bridal shop overhead Eve’s will continue to operate.
An existing Limerick business is to relocate to section of Eve’s premises.
Eve’s will be closed on next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare for what Michael described as the biggest sale in fashion and leather, sizes 8 to 30, on Thursday, July 21, at 10am.
There were three other city centre closures in the past week, Choice, William Street, Food Fare newsagency, O’Connell Street, and a Polish boutique at No 22 Thomas Street.