This article is from page 4 of the 2011-10-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
CLAIMS that Ennis is an expensive town have been described as “damaging” and “unfounded” by local business representatives.
Members of Ennis Chamber and the Ennis Development were reacting to comments made by Mayor of Ennis Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) at a recent meeting of Ennis Town Council.
In a statement, both organizations say many local businesses have expressed their shock and disappointment at the Mayor’s reference to Ennis as an expensive town to do business.
President of Ennis Chamber John Dillane said: “The businesses and employees of Ennis need support from their elected public representatives, not unfounded criticism and, what appear to be, throw away remarks which are damaging to the Ennis brand. In the food sector, a quick survey of the prices in national and international multiples and branded stores in Ennis revealed no price difference to other stores or their prices as advertised nationally. Likewise with independent retailers, they compare very favourably with similar independent store in other towns.”
Aoife Madden (Madden Furniture), Chairperson of Ennis Development Forum said, “We, like so many other Ennis businesses, have recently invested heavily in enhancing the shopping experience for our customers.
“Over the last few weeks 40 per cent of our customers are now coming from Limerick which proves that prices and service are comparable if not better to Limerick and other retail centres.”
According to Martin White of AAA Taxis, “Ennis taxis provide a better pricing structure for our customers as we have not engaged in a call out charge which has been implemented in other parts of the country.”
In the statement, Ennis Chamber and Ennis Development Forum say they have received many reports from customers and visitors alike that they are pleasantly surprised at the range and quality of the retail mix in the town.