Tuam centre optimistic after recent closures

MANAGEMENT at Tuam Shopping Centre are optimistic about footfall in the centre following the loss of two of its tenants.

The closure of Roots restaurant at the centre on Friday came as a surprise to people in the town. Roots Café & Bistro has closed three of its stores, in Tuam, Kilcolgan and Loughrea. The Tuam Herald understands that staff at the Tuam outlet were informed in recent weeks of the store’s impending closure.

Two units occupied by Born Clothing are now vacant after the company closed all 15 of their stores across the country in April.

Manager of Tuam Shopping Centre Ray Collins says it's too early to tell what impact the closures will have but that the centre has been very busy over the past year.

“The recent closures are regrettable and we're naturally disappointed particularly as both businesses were trading very successfully within the centre,” said Ray Collins.

“While it's too early to quantify any impact on our footfall, Tuam Shopping Centre has been experiencing consistent growth in footfall, particularly since Tesco took occupation of the anchor store, Aldi opened next door and Specsavers came to the centre.

Significant interest

“We're confident a positive outcome will arise from these closures. Early indications are that there is significant interest from a number of well-known retailers in the former Born units, which is very encouraging.”

Roots Café & Bistro stated on its social media on Monday that its Tuam, Kilcolgan and Loughrea outlets were closing but that the cafes in Claregalway and Oranmore remain open for business, a does the Roots coffee bar on Shop Street in Galway city and their catering business.

“This isn’t how we imagined this chapter would end. Like so many small businesses, we’ve felt the weight of rising costs, changing habits and the challenges that have become part of everyday life," read the online statement.

“It’s heartbreaking, and we’re deeply saddened for our team, our loyal customers and the communities that welcomed us. Please continue to support local.