'Good for the town' historic first Shaws store to become carpet showroom in Laois
Vacant Mountmellick business to see new life as carpet and furniture storeroom
The first ever Shaws department store, closed down in Laois during Covid after 157 years in business, is to be reopened as a carpet and furniture store.
Mountmellick family business James Cawley & Son have confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they have bought the property on Parnell Street, and are preparing to move their showroom into it.
“I was looking for a place closer to town. We have been in business for over 20 years with a showroom in Derrycloney” explained James, who runs the business with his wife Bernadette and son Michael.
He is hopeful that the move will lift all boats.
“It will be good for people who don’t have a car who walk to the shops, and for a lot of our older customers too.
“I’m from the town, I remember Shaws being open and the hit that the town took when it closed. I hope it puts a bit of spark back, I think it will be good for the town.
“There will be more passing footfall so more people will see our business too,” James said.
The family are already busy painting the shop to prepare for the opening.
“I hope to get it open in mid November, it takes time to get signage, CCTV and install the carpets and flooring.
“We will be selling wooden floors, carpets and vinyl as well as furniture and beds, there’ll be a good bit of choice,” James said.
Henry and Annie Shaw opened their first small drapery store in 1864 in Mountmellick. The family business expanded to Portlaoise in 1890 and then later to Athy and Roscrea and to other towns and counties, but held on to their first shop.
A plaque noting its local history on the wall was removed after its closure.
The shop was permanently closed down during an enforced Covid closure in 2021, with local staff relocated to its Portlaoise store. It was described by locals as 'an awful blow to the town'.
The single storey 248m2 property had since been briefly occupied by two different discount retail stores. It was put on the laois property market and sold in late 2025.