A LIMERICK family-run fashion accessories store will close doors for the final time in the New Year after nearly 40 years in business.
Glitzi Bitz first opened its doors in Limerick in 1987 in Williamscourt Mall (where Guineys stands today), before moving to Arthur’s Quay, the former Tourist Office, and finally settling in its current home on Cruises Street.
The owners, mother and daughter duo Finola and Sharon Conway, made the announcement last week that the store will close its doors for a final time in the New Year.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, Sharon said the decision to close the Limerick store was an incredibly difficult one that was made due to “rising costs”.
“Limerick was our first store and it was always our busiest shop by far. It was where people knew us, so when we started seeing that dwindling it was very hard.”
“It was in the back of our heads for the last 12 months because things have gotten so expensive. We got a consignment of goods a couple of weeks ago and it cost us three times what it cost us last year, so that was the final straw for us,” Sharon explained.
“I hate to be a Debbie Downer because I’m always trying to speak up the city, but it was getting more and more difficult with wages going up and sales going down. If you’re busy, you don’t mind paying the rents and your rates because you’re making the money.ย But unfortunately, over the last couple of years, things haven’t gotten any cheaper.”
This is a trend Sharon is seeing in other parts of the country, where Glitzi Bitz previously had stores in Roscrea, Athlone, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Longford, and Tuam.
With the Limerick and Tullamore stores set to close in the New Year, the focus will now be on the family’s Ennis store and an online offering for customers.
In the meantime, getting more people into the city centre is key, according to Sharon, in order for other local businesses to stay afloat.
“Footfall in the town is so bad,” she said. “The parking is too expensive as well. The only time I have someone coming into the shop now is if they are getting their hair done or going to the dentist, people aren’t coming in just to walk around the city.”
Glitzi Bitz will hold a massive clearance sale in the coming weeks before officially closing in the New Year. People can follow Sharon and Finola on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to keep up to date with their new online offering or visit their store in Ennis.