RETAILERS in Limerick’s Fashion Quarter have joined forces to help create some Christmas magic in the city centre this year. In conjunction with Limerick Local Heroes, traders on Roches Street and Catherine Street have arranged for buskers, brass bands, carol singers and various performers to entertain shoppers over the Christmas period. To further entice shoppers into the city centre, Fashion Quarter stores have extended their opening hours throughout the month of December until 7pm on Friday evenings; the shops will open from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday December 9 and 16, and from 10am to 5.30pm on Sunday, December 16.
Fashion Quarter secretary Garvan Barry explained that this is the first time such an initiative has been introduced.
“Previously it had been open to individual traders to decide their opening hours, but this year in the Fashion Quarter we have decided to coordinate our hours; if the shops are all consistently open, people will come in.”
It is hoped that the move will encourage Limerick consumers to support independent city centre traders this Christmas.
Mr Garvan explained: “The city centre has an awful lot more to offer in terms of individual offers and a greater array of independent traders. It’s also much more enjoyable to shop in the city at Christmas due to the festive atmosphere. We’re hoping to create that Christmas buzz in the Fashion Quarter.”
He also praised Limerick City Council for providing free on street parking in the afternoons to help increase footfall in the city.
