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Despite the closure of Veritas stores throughout Ireland this month, the Veritas store in Newry remains in business and will continue to trade from its location on The Mall in Newry. The last Veritas shop south of the border closed last Friday in Dublin.
The shop situated in the building that formerly contained The Newsroom bar is owned by Newry Cathedral Parish. It is very much a local shop despite having the Veritas connection. Manager Eugene McAlinden was in charge when it opened in 2012 and staff member at that time, Gail McGeeney is the current Manager. The popular Café Krem is also on site and is busy from early morning.
Gail explained "We've been here 13 years, and we're the last one left on the whole island. When we first opened there was ten Veritas stores in Ireland and now there's only one. There was also one in Lourdes but it has closed also."
The shop while initially concentrating on religious goods has branched out in recent years. They have Irish language cards, dual language books. Irish interest books and publications from local authors. Gail added "I think what sets us apart is that we have all these Irish gifts and religious gifts and wedding gifts, but we also have a lot of books as well. Spiritual, Catholic books, Bibles. We can personalise candles for your weddings, for your christenings, Holy Communion, Confirmation's coming up. We've a lot of lovely Irish words in frames down there from Wild Goose. Then you have all the basics, like candles, rosary beads etc."
Religious books include publications from Joyce Mayer and Joel Osteen as well as the more traditional material for the readings on Sundays and the Missals. There are plenty of Children's books themed towards religion, spirituality, kindness but also Irish based books for the kids.
It is hoped that the print part of the Veritas business will get back up and running in the next few weeks with talk of a potential buyer taking over.
Currently the shop is offering 20% of all Christmas stock. With St Brigid's Day, Candlemas Day and St Patrick's Day coming up and Communion and Confirmation on the horizon the staff will certainly be kept busy.
You can find Veritas at 40-41 The Mall in Newry.
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