By Dan Walsh
A new shopping experience, Home Sav€rs Store, opened its doors at 5-8 Rafter St., Enniscorthy, this morning in a sanitised ceremony without fanfare or handshakes, just some brand coloured balloons at the entrance, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The second store in Co. Wexford (the other is in Wexford town) was officially opened by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who said “Well done to everyone for their fantastic work on this store, and welcome to the team Home Sav€rs Enniscorthy.”
In a statement a spokesperson for Home Sav€ers said; “We are delighted to be bringing variety, choice and value to the heart of Enniscorthy, the town centre.”
Located on the site of the old Dunnes Stores building Home Sav€rs adjoins Grants Pharmacy in bringing commercial life back into the building and the rejuvenation of Rafter St as a prime town centre trading area.
Originally founded by John Bolger, Hibernian House occupied this site, and traded as a quality drapery, millinery, and outfitting attraction comparable to the big Dublin fashion stores of the period. It was infamously destroyed by an outbreak of fire on Valentine’s Day 1948 but was rebuilt and traded until 1972 when sold to Dunnes Stores for £1.75 million.
Dunnes Stores traded on Rafter St. until 2006 when moving to a brand new store in the old Roche-Gibney complex at Irish St, which was its 150th store.
Local councillors spent many years putting pressure on the owners to allow retail return to the old Dunnes Stores. Recently, a new local owner emerged and now the building is transformed into a popular extension for improved footfall in the town centre.
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