'Cork has been good to me': End of an era as city centre store to close 

It is the end of an era for another Cork city centre store, as The Denim Store is set to close its doors at the end of February.

In operation since 1990, The Denim Store, located at 35 Cook Street, was, for many people, the place to go for jeans in town throughout the years.

Munster and Ireland rugby icon Ronan O’Gara worked in the store during his days as a school student in Cork; and Ireland footballing greats Niall Quinn and Cork native Denis Irwin were among the famous customers to grace The Denim Store over the years.

Speaking to The Echo, the owner of The Denim Store, Tim Heelan, explained he was making the decision to retire and also reflected on some of his memories of the store from over the years.

“I am 65 years old and turning 66 in May — retirement age, really — so that is why I am going. Retail was superb when I opened up. It was all local shops only. So, it was a different scene,” he said, adding that the option to shop online wasn’t available to people.

“Everybody used to come into the store at that time and buy. Saturday was the major day in town. Every young person used to come to town. But now the online is a big thing as well.”

The sheer love Mr Heelan has for his work comes across from only spending just a few minutes talking in his company.

One thing The Denim Store prided itself on was providing customers with the best shopping experience, starting from the moment they walk through the doors.

As to what was the most enjoyable part of his time working and operating out of The Denim Store, Mr Heelan said it was the daily face-to-face interactions and chats with the customers which provided him with the most satisfaction.

“People used to travel to me from all over Munster to buy jeans,” he said.

“What I enjoyed most about it [was] interaction with the customers and a loyal customer base. Cork is a great place, and it has been good to me.

“I just want to thank the people of Cork for being loyal to me over the years. At the moment, we have a half-price sale clearance.”

As the shutters are set to go down for the final time on The Denim Store over the next few weeks, Mr Heelan can be very proud of cementing a legacy and being part of a famed institution in Cork for so many years.