Shoe Suite Expands in Cork: A Sign of Resilience in Irish Retail?
Family-owned shoe retailer, Shoe Suite, is demonstrating a commitment to the Irish market with the opening of a new location in Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Cork. This expansion comes after the closure of their Oliver Plunkett Street store in the city centre, highlighting a strategic shift in their retail approach.
From Oliver Plunkett Street to Douglas Court: Adapting to Changing Shopping Habits
The move from the city centre location to a shopping centre reflects a broader trend in retail, where businesses are adapting to evolving consumer behaviour. While the Maylor Street store remains open, the Douglas Court location offers increased accessibility and convenience for shoppers. The original O’Dwyer’s Footwear, established in Midleton in 1960, has a long history in the region.
A Third-Generation Legacy: The O’Dwyer Family Story
The Shoe Suite is part of the O’Dwyer family business, now in its third generation. David O’Dwyer has expanded the business to include six stores across Ireland – in Cork, Clonmel, Kikenny, Dungarvan and Waterford city – operating under both The Shoe Suite and O’Dwyer’s Footwear brands. The family also has a wholesale operation, designing and distributing men’s shoes under the Mezlan brand.
The Rise of Shopping Centres and the Future of Brick-and-Mortar
The decision to open in Douglas Court Shopping Centre isn’t isolated. Shopping centres are increasingly becoming focal points for retail activity, offering a diverse range of stores and amenities under one roof. This provides a compelling draw for consumers, particularly as online shopping continues to grow. The former Oliver Plunkett Street location, a 79sqm retail unit, is now available for rent through Savills, benefiting from high footfall.
What So for Irish Retail
Shoe Suite’s expansion, despite the closure of a city centre store, suggests a nuanced approach to retail survival. It indicates a willingness to adapt, focusing on locations that offer strong footfall and convenience. This strategy could become increasingly common as retailers navigate the challenges of a changing market.
The Hybrid Retail Model: Blending Online and Offline
The Shoe Suite also maintains an online presence, as evidenced by their Instagram account (@theshoesuite). This highlights the importance of a hybrid retail model – seamlessly integrating online and offline experiences to cater to a wider range of customer preferences. The website, shoesuite.ie, offers a wide range of brands including Gabor, Marco Moreo, Gioseppo, Paul Green, Hoff and Bugatti.
FAQ
Q: Where will the new Shoe Suite store be located?
A: Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Cork.
Q: What happened to the Shoe Suite store on Oliver Plunkett Street?
A: It has closed, but the Maylor Street location remains open.
Q: Who owns Shoe Suite?
A: It is owned by the O’Dwyer family, a third-generation Irish business.
Q: Does Shoe Suite have an online store?
A: Yes, they have a presence on Instagram (@theshoesuite) and a website, shoesuite.ie.
Q: What brands does Shoe Suite sell?
A: Brands include Gabor, Marco Moreo, Gioseppo, Paul Green, Hoff and Bugatti.
Did you understand? O’Dwyers Footwear has been operating in Ireland for over 60 years.
Pro Tip: Check the Shoe Suite website for current sales and promotions.
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