SPORTS RETAILERS HAPPY TO RE-OPEN

COLM SHALVEY

Two independent sports shops with a combined history of almost 80 years in Co Monaghan re-opened this week as part of phase two of the Government’s lifting of Ireland’s COVID-19 restrictions. Having been closed since mid-March, McDermott’s Sports Centre in Monaghan Town and Declan Loughman Sports in Castleblayney both opened their doors again on Monday. Dermot McDermott acknowledged: “It’s a relief. Most retailers were closed almost overnight and you didn’t know what the end game was, so for the first month, you’re just taking it a day at a time.

It was only in the last few weeks where there was a clear framework and a bit of clarity around when you could open up. I was lucky because I could still sell a wee bit and post stuff out. There was still demand for footballs for the house and for running shoes. It’s still great to be open again, this is what it’s all about and you miss the social side of things.” The main priority of this business is people coming through the door, but to have that website is a necessity now, so I had time on my hands to devote to it and it’s great to have it up and running, People browse online and touch base with you and still come in and buy.

It’s a work in progress and a learning curve, I’m in bricks and mortar retail all my…