Landmark Portlaoise store to close after over 50 years
Owner Alan Flynn pictured at AJ Flynn Menswear in Portlaoise, which is to close after over 50 years. Photo: AJ Flynn Menswear
A LANDMARK store in Portlaoise is set to close its doors, after more than 50 years in business.
AJ Flynn Menswear on Main Street will cease trading this summer, with the retirement of popular owner Alan Flynn.
Having worked in drapery since childhood, Alan is looking forward to his richly-earned retirement but says he will miss the social aspect of the store, which has dressed not only dapper men but also stylish women and young people for decades.
He told the : “I was always a people person really and meeting people is what I will miss most. I genuinely looked forward to going to work every day and the staff and myself were like a family.”
Alan’s parents, Albert and Eileen, opened a drapery store in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow in 1947 and he remembers serving customers as a child, when he could barely see over the counter.
It was the beginning of a lifelong passion, which ultimately saw Alan open the Portlaoise store with his parents shortly before 1970 dawned. He later converted the upstairs floor into The Loft, a clothing outlet for younger people.
The dedicated follower of fashion has seen many changes and recessions over the years but says that quality and customer service remain key to the success of the store, which is as busy as ever. A strong believer in decency and the personal touch, he has even been known to honour expired gift vouchers dating back more than 20 years.
He says: “Fashion never stops changing from season to season and you are always looking ahead. Sometimes I felt that maybe it pushed life a little bit too far ahead, as you were always buying six to nine months in advance, but overall I enjoyed nearly every minute of it.”
Announcing the news on social media today, Alan said he would always remember the wonderful camaraderie in the store, as he thanked staff and customers for their loyal support.
He said: ‘It is with immense gratitude to the town of Portlaoise that, after 50 years on the Main Street, I wish to announce my retirement.
‘Since the doors first opened in the late 1960s by my parents, it has been a privilege to serve the community.
‘From dressing young and old for every occasion across our ladies’, The Loft young fashions and menswear over the years, I’ve enjoyed the stories, the laughs, the company and craic we’ve shared and this will always be remembered.’
He added: ‘I would like to sincerely thank my neighbours and friends in Downtown Portlaoise, staff past and present and all of the loyal customers throughout the years. Your support and custom are truly appreciated.
‘While I don’t yet have an exact closing date, I will be gradually winding down the business in the meantime, with plenty of bargains in store. I look forward to your continued support.’
Alan trained in Dublin at Ferrier Pollock & Co, a famous wholesalers located in what is now the Powerscourt Centre, before establishing A J Flynn Menswear at 85 Main Street, Portlaoise about 56 years ago.
