This article is from page 6 of the 2011-10-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
MANAGEMENT at SkyCourt in Shannon say they are disappointed that one of its anchor tenants closed its doors “out of the blue” last week, after just six months in operation.
Discount store Buy Lo opened in March with the creation of seven jobs. After enjoying brisk trade in the initial weeks, business subsequently declined, which led to the decision to close last Tuesday.
The manager of SkyCourt, Pat Kelly, told The Clare People that the decision came “out of the blue” and said he was in “complete shock” at the announcement.
“We are very disappointed with it because we put a lot of effort into getting Buy Lo into Shannon,” he said. “I was extremely disappointed to hear of their decision. It has come as a great shock not just to myself but to all the traders in the centre.”
He said that despite difficult times in the retail sector, he is hopeful that the unit can be filled.
“We have been on to a number of operators. It is early days yet. We would be hopeful of getting somebody,” he said.
He said that the number of customers shopping at SkyCourt has fallen by about five per cent this year, but the spend is “down a good bit”.
“We are going to be doing our best to get another operator. It’s a fine store, fully kitted out. We did a lot of work in the unit before they moved in,” said Mr Kelly. The work includ- ed the provision of a new entrance and additional parking at the back.
“The fact that we have Dunnes and Lidl doing very similar to what Buy Lo were doing, maybe there was too much of a crossover,” said Mr Kelly.
“Ideally we are looking for something in the clothes line. We would love to get a replacement for it. We need to check the market and see who is looking to expand,” he added.
In a statement, BuyLo said it regretted that it had to make the decision to close.
BuyLo Store Manager, Sean Leo said the decision has been taken for commercial reasons. “We very much regret today’s decision which is a very difficult one for all of us working here at BuyLo in Shannon,” said Mr Leo, on Tuesday.
“The retail industry is being exposed to particularly challenging trading conditions at present and, unfortunately, our store has fallen victim to these difficulties. I would like to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to our seven staff members who have all worked extremely hard since the store opened earlier this year,” he added.