Manley's celebrates 50 years in business

LONGSTANDING Athy menswear shop, Manley’s, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as it reaches its 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1976 by Portarlington natives, husband-and-wife team Tom and Susan Manley, the shop began as a leap of faith. 

Having worked in menswear in Tullamore, Tom decided to strike out independently, opening the doors to what would become one of Athy’s most trusted businesses.

From the very beginning, it was a true family affair, with his wife Susan playing a central role in running the shop and managing its accounts, and later with son Philip taking over the business.

“It was just the two of us starting out,” Tom said. “We bought the premises at a time when interest rates were over 20 per cent. That’s something I’ll never forget.” 

Despite the economic challenges of the era, and a retail environment that relied heavily on credit, the business steadily built a loyal customer base.

The secret to that success, according to Tom, has always been down to the store’s quality clothing and genuine customer care.

“It’s easy to sell something once,” he explained. “But to sell it twice, that’s the real achievement. Getting customers to come back year after year is what matters.” 

Over the decades, Manley’s has become a cornerstone of Athy town, drawing customers not only from the town itself but from across the wider region, including Portlaoise, Carlow, and beyond. That strong hinterland, combined with deep community ties, has helped sustain the business through changing times.

The next chapter began some years ago, when the couple’s son Philip returned home to join the family enterprise after gaining experience in Dublin. 

Today, Philip plays a leading role in the shop, overseeing buying, visual merchandising, and the integration of modern retail tools, such as online shopping.

“He’s brought fresh ideas and embraced technology,” said Tom. “Online has changed everything. People often come in now having seen something on Facebook or our website.” 

While the retail world has transformed dramatically with the rise of online shopping, Manley’s has adapted without losing its core identity by sticking to the very personal service it extends to customers.

“Men still like to come into a shop, be looked after, and be fitted properly,” said Tom. “You can’t beat that experience.” 

Special occasions continue to be a major part of the business, with wedding suits and race-day fashion proving especially popular among customers. 

Younger generations are also finding their way through the doors, which Tom puts down to their growing online presence.

Beyond business, the family’s connection to Athy runs deep. They speak warmly of the town’s strong sense of community, its sporting clubs, and recent developments that have brought new energy and visitors to the area.

“We’ve been very lucky with the people of Athy. They’ve supported us all along,” said Tom.

As Manley’s celebrates its golden anniversary, there is even more reason for the family to mark the occasion, the founding couple are also celebrating 55 years of marriage, giving them more than one reason to celebrate.

The Athy shop stands as a rare example of a local business that has not only survived, but thrived, proving that while fashions may change, the value of trust, quality service, and community never goes out of style.