Write a commentA Warrenpoint family run clothing store E.O’Hares has announced a retirement sale after 73 years in business, ending a lengthy and memorable chapter for the O’Hare family.
Spotting a gap in the market for a local quality drapery store, the late Edward ‘Teddy’ O’Hare opened E.O’Hares at 15 The Square, Warrenpoint in 1946. After raising the necessary capital he reinvested in the area by purchasing their current premises at 17 Church Street Warrenpoint in 1954, running the two shops concurrently until 1962, before centralising the premises to where they are still in business today.
Since Teddy’s sudden passing in 1981, three of his sons Francis, Pat and Gervase, fondly known locally as ‘the boys’, have been at the helm, building the business to become one of the largest family run clothing storesalong the South Down coast.
With community always at the heart of its operations, E.O’Hares re-invested in their store undertaking extensive renovations in 1983 and then again in 1995opening a new 1,800 square foot floor dedicated specifically for ladies clothing and bringing the total floor space for men’s and ladies wear to an astonishing 4,000square foot.
Francis O’Hare said, “We were born into this business – and as many would say, it’s in our blood. Growing up my three brothers Pat, Eamon, and Gervase, my sister Teresa, and I all worked with our Daddy in the shop – after all it was the front room of our home. It was our norm and we loved how he worked tirelessly trying to find the perfect item for each and every customer who came through the shop door – something we pride ourselves in to this day. We were thrilled to be a part of his dream, which became our dream. We became not only a shop but a real hub for the community – which has always been important to us.
“There have been many changes over the years as we’ve expanded and developed the business however the heartbeat of E.O’Hares has always remained – quality clothing and exceptional personal service with the customer central in all that we do.
“However as they say, all good things must come to an end. After 73 years in business together, as a family, we have decided that it is time to take things a little easier. We begin 2019 with our RETIREMENT SALE with all goods greatly reduced.
“To our suppliers, local businesses, the community and of course our wonderful and loyal customers over the last 73 years – we’ve had quite a journey. We are so proud to have stayed in business for so long and to be a part of such a vibrant and caring community...and of course, we’ve enjoyed the craic and banter every step of the way. On behalf of Pat, Gervase, myself, and the wider family I’d like to thank each and every one of you who have been part of this chapter with us.”
E.O’Hares retirement sale is now on with top quality brands for all occasions greatly reduced. Brands within ladies wear include Gerry Weber, Betty Barclay, EugenKlein, Adverntures Des Toiles, Kirsten, Toni Trousers, Frank Walder, Just White, Taifun as well as Gabor, Eccoand Rieker footwear. Brands within gents wear include Bugatti Clothing, Fynch Hatton, Magee, Remus Meyer, Eterna, Barker, Duck and Cover, Seidensticker, Daniel Grahame as well as Bugatti, Ecco and Paul O’Donnell Footwear.
