The History of O'Shea's Market Ireland
Ron and Margaret started the store in 1975. We had spent the summer in Ireland and had been very impressed by the merchandise. In particular, I bought a linen crochet pantsuit and wherever I wore it, strangers would stop me on the street and ask me where I had bought it.
We were looking for a new career. We decided to open in the market at an obscure location, at 139 York Street. There were no organized shows in Ireland at that time, so we had to drive around to find the crafts, knitwear and gift items.
Right from opening day we were very impressed with the response, many of our customers were giving us lists of items they wanted, so we took their advice and bought accordingly. After 3 years at this location we moved to a larger location at 14 Metcalfe St., our sales immediately doubled. In 1978 we moved to 187 Sparks St. where we achieved sales of $1,600,00 in this location.
In the late seventies the west was booming. Two of our daughters were moving to Calgary, so we decided to open an O'Shea's in downtown Calgary in the Scotia-Center. In a period of 2 years we achieved sales of $550,000.
In 1981 we opened a store in Edmonton in the West Edmonton Mall. This retail area was 1800 Sq. Ft. In one year our sales were $450,000. At that time the 3 stores were selling combined $2,600,000. We sold the Calgary store in 1985 and the Edmonton store in 1986. It was the same couple that bought both stores. At the present time there is not an Irish store in Calgary or Edmonton.
In the 1990's we moved to the Rideau Center and in 1995 we moved from the Rideau Center to our present location at 91 Sparks St. We deal with approximately 200 suppliers. We have had 35 years of good relationships with our suppliers and they often call us to offer special opportunities to buy at sale prices. There are about 800 suppliers that show at the R.D.S. in Dublin during the month of January. Some of our customers have been coming since we started in 1975. They still love to come and chat, or tell us about their trips to Ireland.
We feel very fortunate that over the years we have been able to attract and keep good staff for long periods of time, including one for 24 years.
We closed our store at 91 Sparks St. in Ottawa in December, 2009. We plan on carrying on as an internet store after this so we invite you to 'Subscribe to our Newsletter' below so we can alert you to special bargains and special promotions.
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