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FOR MANY DUBLINERS, it’s not Christmas without a trip to Clerys for some present shopping – or meeting under the clock.
Today will see the iconic building reopening its doors to the public after it was closed due to weather damage in July. The opening couldn’t come at a better time, as it’s just over a month to Christmas (sorry if that comes as a surprise…).
The managing director of the company, Dominic Prendergast, said that the 160-year-old retail emporium has been “restored to its former glory”.
The flood damage earlier this year was a devastating blow to our thousands of loyal customers, suppliers and co-workers and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them most sincerely for their patience and support during the past four months.
He said that Clerys is embarking upon “a new and exciting era” for its customers. In restoring the listed building – which was designed in 1853 – the commercial director of Clerys, Simon Smith and Brian Jennings of Jennings Design Studio worked to “create and develop a sensational vision for the complete re-development of the flood-damaged store”.
Architecture and Dublin history fans will be interested to hear that they took inspiration from the original design features in the neo-classical building, and exposed ceiling cornicing and balustrades, while revealing its original columns and windows.
Inside, shoppers will be able to choose from new collections and eat at a new bakery and deli. As for the Winter Wonderland? That can be found on the ground floor until Christmas Eve.
It is understood that all staff who were laid off in July will come back to work in the shop, while a number have already returned for ‘various projects’.
Do you have any memories about Clerys and Christmas? Share them in the comments below.
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the world need more of this chap. Determined. brilliant that he’s getting the help he deserves.
The world needs an even spread of wealth and resources.We all love to preach but very few of us are prepared to give up our lifestyle to help those living in such poverty.
The mother is working two jobs and they’re still homeless. Scandalous. Virtual slavery.
Except slaves are given a home.
And kids in Ireland complain about slow WiFi…
Yes allister esp the 1100 homeless kids in temporary accommodation in Dublin. Easy doing homework while sharing a hostel room with your whole family.
It’s pronounced wiffy.
And not having proper drugs to abuse.
Hey tap, it must be depressing being a self hating irishperson
Why are people so unwilling to accept we have homeless children in Ireland? Hostels, b&bs, hotels all over Dublin in particular are full of homeless families. How is it so many can empathise with a homeless Filipino, but are so disdainful of our own who have fallen on hard times? Oh, I forgot, they are prob single mother tarts or sw scroungers.
Hey, is your name Pat Lyons but you call yourself Tap Solny because I see what you did there.
I am sure that he will succeed.
As my Grandfather used to say “I complained about having no shoes until I seen a man with no feet”
That’s sandalous ..
As my Grandfather used to say “I complained about having no shoes until I seen a man with no feet”…
“So I took his shoes”
Boom.
I’ll never forget what my Granada said to me before he kicked the bucket. ” Hey Tom, watch how hard I can kick this bucket” He passed away the following year.
What a great young fella!
highlights 3 things,homelessness, innocence of kids,and the determination of the human being.all the best wee man.
Despite strong economic growth one quarter of the population live on a dollar a day. Which just goes to prove how theoretically out of touch with human reality economics is.
Growth means getting bigger than you were, not necessarily progress. Ireland is the fastest growing economy in the eurozone, just because you’re the tallest midget in the class doesn’t make you a giant.
wants to be a police man in a country with one of the most corrupt forces in the world. Aim higher my boy aim higher
I’m in the Philipppines at the moment, lots of homeless kids hang around McDonalds to beg.
It would break your heart to see them. I’ve fed a few of them in the last few days. Despite having nothing they are always cheerful and polite.
I work with homeless youth in my spare time. There was a young girl literally living under a bridge while studying for her leaving cert. But managing to attend school by day. Homeless because of domestic difficulties. We placed her in a homeless hostel for the few weeks leading up to and during the exams. I look forward to seeing how this courageous feisty girl turns out.
The fact that the mother works two jobs and is still homeless proves that capitalism and globalisation are not working… But hey, the shareholders of mickey dees and starbux are getting richer
I reckon there won’t be an article on The Journal today about how ‘evil’ Direct Provision is.
inspired, not wondering why homeless children are left doing home work on the side of the road
I’m currently living in the Philippines. I can tell you there is wealth in this country but it’s not getting to the hard working people that deserve it. The economy is growing but based on remittances from the 10 million Filipinos who work abroad. I’m glad this has gone viral to show how unfair the system is here.
What an amazing kid! What I find lacking, however, is criticism of a system that allows a huge divide between rich and poor. Such a system is creeping into our country. Rents forcing families onto the streets. Single mothers having to leave 7yr olds at home alone. People have made fortunes off the back of this crisis and pushed the wedge that divides rich from poor further into society. This kid could be one of ours, doing homework under a car light. Let’s not let this happen here.
Got something in my eye… Wonderful
Isn’t it fantastic what direct aid can do and not get lost in the whole bigger aid picture . Delighted as I so wanted to help him but didn’t know how
He’s doing his Nohomework
Free advertising for big chain McDonald’s – have they stepped in and helped?
thumbs down this comment 500 times and I will never thumbs down a comment rv3r
Free advertising for MacDonald’s – wonder if they have put their hand in their deep pockets?
Free advertising for McDonald’s – wonder if they have put their hand in their deep pockets and helped?
Free advertising for McDonald’s – wonder if they have put their hand in their pocket to help?
lovely story
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