Increased footfall vital to success of Castletroy Shopping Centre
RETAILERS at the Castletroy Shopping Centre have expressed confidence that Musgrave take-over of Superquinn will breathe new life into the complex and increase footfall- but lashed Limerick County Council for hindering progress by “demanding unbearable rates”.
The centre has struggled since it first opened but there is now a ring of confidence that the new owners, with support from the local authority, will provide an extra dimension.
One long-time tenant said: “Our landlord and suppliers have been flexible and have made packages to suit us. The only ones not helping are the County Council-they won’t budge on rates”.
Another explained: “There are approximately 25 units on the ground floor and more than half are empty. Only two businesses operate from the first floor”.
Responding to the criticism, Councillor Mary Jackman exclaimed, “Hopefully, something can be done to retain the businesses”.
She added: “I can’t personally dictate what the rates are but I’m conscious there are very few traders there and a lot of empty units. It’s something I’ll bring up with council”.
Newest retailer, Leonard Adams, who runs ‘Shoe Be Do’, was more positive.
He explained: “It would be far worse if we had to pay city business rates, which are a lot more. Hopefully, the Musgrave take-over will be positive for us. We’re only here a week, and we’ll give it a shot”.
The majority of retailers were “delighted” with the Musgrave take-over and the confirmation that all 118 Superquinn jobs were secured.
“When I heard it first I thought it was all over for us but, now with Musgrave taking over, things should be more positive,” Jim Leahy, co-owner, Dargan Health Foods said.
Kevin Fitzgerald, who runs the Underwater World Aquatic & Reptile Superstore, said the Superquinn announcement, was “disappointing,” but that it “might be a good thing because this place needs to be steered in a new direction”.
Majella O’Brien, manager, Plush Beauty Salon, said: “Everybody seems to be happy enough with Musgraves coming. Hopefully, it’ll be a good thing and get more people coming here”.
Rita Molyneaux, manager, Marbles Hairdressers, in the shopping centre for a decade, stated: “It’s fantastic news. Hopefully, things will become more competitive and there will be a spin-off for the traders”.
Tom Heffernan, who runs the Art Gallery, commented: “It’s not a good thing to see a company like Superquinn enter receivership but it is good to see someone else come and save jobs”.
