Shaws Department Stores is celebrating an incredible 85 years as part of Waterford’s retail landscape, with the Irish family-owned business also marking 162 years in business nationwide.
Having weathered everything from economic downturns to the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Shaws continues to thrive, with its two Waterford stores in the city and Dungarvan remaining an important part of the local shopping experience.
Ger Osborne, Overall Marketing Manager for the Shaws Group, joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa to reflect on the remarkable milestone and the importance of Shaws remaining a family-owned Irish business.
He said while the retail world has changed dramatically over the decades, Shaws has continued to evolve with its customers.
The arrival of exciting new brands and departments has helped attract a new generation of shoppers, with Korean skincare products, expanded lingerie departments and popular names including Topshop and Mango now part of the ever-changing offering.
Ger said this evolving customer base, combined with the continued loyalty of long-standing Shaws customers, is helping to drive the company’s ambitions for the future.
Shaws Dungarvan
That loyalty was also highlighted by Niamh Cunningham, Store Manager at Shaws in Dungarvan, who spoke about the local community atmosphere that continues to exist within the store.
Niamh explained that Fridays in particular can be a social occasion for many customers, with people calling in to settle their store accounts while also taking the time to sit down, have a cup of tea and catch up.
It is that sense of community, she said, that makes the relationship between Shaws and its customers so special.
The Dungarvan store continues to offer something for a wide range of shoppers, with Niamh also highlighting its large and popular lingerie department alongside the changing range of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.
She spoke about the appreciation Shaws has for the customers who have supported the business over generations and helped make the store such an important part of the town.
And it appears there could be more Shaws stores on the horizon.
While Ger could not reveal any specific details just yet, he confirmed that potential new locations and investment budgets are being seriously considered as the company looks at opportunities for expansion across Ireland.
For a business that has been part of Irish life for more than a century and a half, and Waterford’s retail story for 85 years, it seems the next chapter for Shaws could be just beginning.
Play to listen back to the full conversation.
