“As we face into 2023 with confidence, reports coming to hand from all business sectors are of a bumper end of year ’22 Christmas and New Year season,” said Castleisland Chamber Alliance Chairman, Michael John Kearney remarking on the return of pre-pandemic levels of the town’s core and traditional business.
Mr. Kearney said that the car, commercial / truck garages had an exceptionally busy time with lots of interest in pre bookings of new 231 registration plates – despite delays with delivery which did not stop new owners lining up for delivery dates well into the new year.
Ahern’s and Divane’s Busy
“Castleisland’s two main dealers, Ahern’s and Divane’s have also been busy through the year installing solar power systems in their drive for a greener environment and the Ahern’s Garage group is adding two further car brands to their range in January.
“As always, the fashion shops came into their own through out the month of December attracting larger than normal footfall pre-Christmas and finishing the month off with the launch of their much-awaited winter sale period.
Shopping for Fashion
“The experience of shopping for fashion in person in Castleisland is a ritual still savoured by their loyal customers.
“In the house and home category – the furniture, electrical, lighting, home décor, phone and computer and gift shops were all well above 2021 levels in volumes of sales which was an achievement.
“Also reporting strong trade right through the period were the pharmacy and hair and beauty services, as were the major convenient food shopping outlets and the bakery and craft butcher shops.
Beneficial Knock-On
“The beneficial knock-on impact on the other sectors in particular the coffee shops, delicatessens, and restaurants was evidenced by the queues for service on occasions throughout the holiday period.
“Absent for two years, the return of the St. Mary’s Christmas Basketball Blitz, brought a larger than usual crowd to the town over the five days.
“As a result, crowds on the street, in the shops and restaurants and fast food outlets were well up. “Additionally evening and night trade in the bars and the demand for accommodation in the Christmas and new year period were at very strong levels.
“The event is conservatively valued in economic terms as being worth €1m to the town.” he said.
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