Family-owned shoe shop opening another location after closing Cork store

A third-generation family-owned footwear business is expanding its retail presence in Cork, Ireland, despite recently closing a city centre location. The Shoe Suite is preparing to open a new store at Douglas Court Shopping Centre next month.

Business Adapts to Changing Retail Landscape

The new location comes after the closure of O’Dwyer’s Footwear on Oliver Plunkett Street, a shop that had been a fixture in the city. Customers were assured they could continue to find the same products at the existing Maylor Street store. This move suggests a strategic shift in the company’s approach to retail, potentially prioritizing shopping centre locations.

Did You Know? O’Dwyers Footwear was initially established by Florence O’Dwyer in Midleton in 1960.

A Legacy of Footwear Retail

O’Dwyer’s Footwear, now run by Florence O’Dwyer’s son, David O’Dwyer, has grown to include six stores across Ireland in Clonmel, Kilkenny, Dungarvan, and Waterford city, operating under both The Shoe Suite and O’Dwyers Footwear brands. The company also maintains a wholesale operation, designing and distributing men’s shoes under the brand Mezlan.

Expert Insight: The decision to close a city centre store while simultaneously opening a location in a shopping centre reflects a common trend in retail – adapting to consumer preferences for convenience and accessibility. Shopping centres often provide ample parking and a variety of other retail options, potentially attracting a broader customer base.

The former Oliver Plunkett Street location, a 79sqm ground floor unit, is currently available for rent through Savills. The property is described as being on one of the busiest shopping streets in Cork, benefiting from high foot traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What brands will be available at the new Shoe Suite location?

The source does not specify which brands will be available at the new Douglas Court location, but states customers will be able to find the same shoes as at the Maylor Street store.

Why did O’Dwyer’s Footwear close its Oliver Plunkett Street store?

The source does not state a specific reason for the closure, only that the store closed and customers were reassured they could still shop at the Maylor Street location.

How many stores does O’Dwyer’s Footwear operate in total?

O’Dwyer’s Footwear currently operates six stores across Ireland, including locations in Cork, Clonmel, Kilkenny, Dungarvan, and Waterford city.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how O’Dwyer’s Footwear balances its brick-and-mortar presence with its wholesale business and adapts to changing consumer habits.