Drogheda town centre is set for a welcome boost with news that Dunnes Stores on West Street is to reopen in the coming weeks.
The store closed unexpectedly a number of months ago, with some staff transferring to the company’s Scotch Hall branch. It is now understood that work is underway to prepare the premises for reopening, with refurbishment taking place ahead of its return.
The West Street shop has a long history in Drogheda, having been one of the first stores opened outside Dublin and Cork by Dunnes Stores founder Ben Dunne Snr in the early 1960s. He had previously worked in Anderson’s shop in the town during his younger years.
The decision to reopen the store is believed to have been made by Dunnes Stores boss Margaret Heffernan following her recent return to the business following the recent death of her husband. She is understood to be strongly committed to the Drogheda operation and keen to see the West Street location succeed again.
The closure had been met with disappointment locally, with many regular customers turning to other retailers in the meantime. A number of local representatives, including Mayor Michelle Hall, had also called on the company to reconsider its decision.
The reopening is expected to bring renewed footfall to West Street and provide a lift for other businesses in the area.
