Iconic first ever Shaws department store goes up for sale in Laois

The first ever Shaws Department Store has gone up for sale in Laois.

The vacant shop unit is on Parnell Street in Mountmellick.

The Shaws department store family had opened their first ever drapery shop there in 1864. It ran for 157 years, with the business being a landmark employer and footfall driver in the town. 

Shaws closed it down during a Covid lockdown in May 2021 and Shaws relocated the staff to their Portlaoise store.

The closure was met with great disappointment by locals as 'an awful blow to the town'.

Shaws Mountmellick with its closing down sign in 2021. Photo: Leinster Express

It stood vacant for four years before being briefly occupied by a Centz discount retail store for just five months this year, unexpectedly closing down in recent weeks.

The unit is now for sale by Carlow auctioneer Thomas Byrne & Son. It is described as measuring 248 msq. and includes a rear garden.

The shop is close to established businesses such as Mountmellick Credit Union, an undertakers and Mountmellick Community Arts Centre. A recent three month spell of roadworks had decreased traffic on Parnell Street.

Lidl are in the process of applying for planning permission in the town which is also served by a SuperValu.

Read also: Laois museum celebrates 200 years of unique embroidery

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.