Shock news as popular Laois gift shop announces closure
A popular Laois giftshop has shocked with the announcement it is closing down.
Breda's Gift Shop is a bright sight on the main street through Mountmellick, particularly loved for its Christmas windows.
Its proprietors are local couple Breda and Eoghan O'Neill who renovated and reopened what was a vacant former drapers store to their gift shop back in 2014. Last year they opened a second branch in Kilkenny.
They have just announced that the Mountmellick shop will close down on Saturday, September 9.
However their second store in Kilkenny will remain open, Breda has confirmed, with an assurance on gift vouchers to her customers.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Breda's Gift Shop Mountmellick, on Saturday Sept 9th.
We have loved our shop, since we opened it 9 years ago, and it has been our pride & joy since.
"Our aim was simple: to provide a friendly welcome, a relaxing browse and a special gift experience in a shop that always looked it's lovliest.
"We navigated our labour of love through so many unforeseen challenges, particularly in the past few years, pivoting & adding an online shop, recently renovating our shop facade, and constantly considering how we could offer the best service.
"We've also been very proud to be part of the Mountmellick community, and so it has been an extremely difficult decision to have to make.
"Eoghan & I always try to focus on the positive, & so we wanted to tell you how grateful we are: For the kindest neighbours we could have wished for. It is our hope that you know how much you to mean us. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
"For the very best team, whether for work experience or part-time, a heart felt thank you to Nora, Kate, Saoirse, Keeva & Caoimhe for the fun, kindness & dedication you brought to our shop. Thank you.
"For Aileen, Eoghan's Mam, who has worked alongside us from day one. We will be forever grateful to you, for your endless care, joy and dedication. Thank you for the treasured memories.
"And to you, our customers, we couldn't have gotten this far without you. Thank you for the opportunity, for lovely chats, uplifting words and your kindness over the years. It has been our joy & honour to look after you. We hope that you'll continue to follow us on our journey. A very sincere thank you, Breda & Eoghan.
Breda and Eoghan O'Neill, proprietors of Breda's Gift Shop.
Hundreds of comments have flooded in to their social media.
"What sad news! I’ve loved coming to the shop for all my gifts and lovely welcome from ye all. Mountmellick is losing more than just a shop, a sanctuary! All the best for the future," one said.
"Breda and Eoghan and the entire team who were part of Breda’s gift shop from its inception. This is sad news to you all, take some comfort in knowing there are little bits of you in many homes and hearts. Best wishes for your next ventures," another customer said.
"So sorry to hear this news tonight. We will still support you from your online. Your shop will be a great loss to Mountmellick. Wishing you both all the best for the future," another wrote.