Almost nationwide Laois retailer Shaws is expanding

Laois-based retail chain Shaws is marking its 160th year of trading with an expansion in the shape of a new Midlands firm.

The Portlaoise-headquartered business has entered the final stages of preparing to open a new store in Athlone. The company says the move involves a significant investment in an outlet that is located in the busy Golden Island Shopping Centre.

Shaws say the store will showcase the best of womenswear, beauty, lingerie, kids and seasonal gifting and will stock well known international brands such and Shaws exclusive own brands Naoise and Tea Lane.

The shop, which will have 20 staff, will also include the famous Shaws Bra Fit free service for all customers in the Co Westmeath shop featuring lingerie brands. 

Shaws CEO Conrad Digan made the announcement.

“I am delighted to announce that in our 160th year we continue to expand our store network and are thrilled to finally open in Athlone. Our customers continue to drive our business and Athlone is a town with huge demand and love for Shaws. This is a new concept store for us and we bring a huge range of brands like Mango, Sfera, and Punt Roma for our loyal customers as well as an extensive range of Beauty brands including Sculpted, Éstee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and BPerfect. Our team in Athlone led by our Store manager Samantha is looking forward to welcoming our new and returning customers, with that now famous outstanding Shaws personal service. We look forward to welcoming our customers to the official launch," said the CEO.

Founded in 1864 by Henry Shaw, Shaws began as a small drapery shop in Mountmellick. From these beginnings, under the guidance of Henry and his wife, Annie, the business slowly grew.

From the early to mid-20th century, under the management of William Henry Shaw and Samuel Shaw respectively, the company expanded across the midlands. Now 160 years old, Shaws operates in 16 stores in Portlaoise and across Ireland.

Shaws Athlone will open in the Golden Island Shopping Centre on October 10th from 10.30 am with opening offers of up to 25% off across the store.