Limerick Businesses Opening

Vanquished · 18-04-2014 1:24pm

I've heard rumours of that recently. It seems likely that they are moving in to the old HMV outlet. I would have liked to have seen a quality fashion retailer preferably a mens brand open up in there but that's the way it is.

While it's a big name brand and no doubt it will be a mecca for the city's wannabe hipster brigade, starbucks is blandness personified! Exceptionally ordinary coffee teamed with overpriced prepacked snacks and cakes.

They've pretty much taken over Dublin city centre in the last 18 months so clearly they feel there are opportunities to be exploited in the regional cities. I just hope their presence does not have an adverse impact upon the decent collection of independent cafes we now have in the city centre.

miralize · 18-04-2014 1:29pm

Hopefully they'll take the time to move the stairs to somewhere a little less in the way!

Now that I think about it, that's quite a big undertaking...

They're coffee may be a bit bland, but their ice frappucino's will be welcomed!

Vanquished · 18-04-2014 1:34pm

Planning application for the former HMV outlet;

The proposed development comprises the change of use of the ground and first floor of 25-26 Cruise's Street from retail use to coffee shop, with associated internal and external works and replacement signage. The proposed coffee shop will be at ground floor level (c. 132sq.m) and first floor level (c.132sqm) with no change to the second floor (c. 132sqm) used for male and female toilets, a canteen, an office and a store. The development includes installation of standard coffee-shop fittings and facilities and provides for modifications to one entrance door (to bring it flush with the facade), the removal of another existing entrance door and its replacement with a new window, and the erection of associated external (replacement) signage on the front facades to Cruise's Street & O'Connell Street

Coffee shop on the ground and first floors. That gives them quite a generous space.

Cartman78 · 18-04-2014 1:37pm

I'm agnostic on the quality of their coffee but it's a good news story for the city centre either way

Berty · 18-04-2014 1:53pm

Good It will stop that location being a breeding ground for scummers to sit on the window sills. They will be alienated and fearful of coffee shop dwellers.

bazz26 · 18-04-2014 2:29pm

Good to see that unit being filled but I never shared the attraction of the Starbucks brand or the hype that surrounds it. I have been to the ones in the Microsoft centres up in Dublin and to be honest if overpriced fancy coffees are your thing then fine but I just don't see what the big fuss around the brand.

Cityslicker1 · 18-04-2014 3:23pm

Vanquished wrote: »

I've heard rumours of that recently. It seems likely that they are moving in to the old HMV outlet. I would have liked to have seen a quality fashion retailer preferably a mens brand open up in there but that's the way it is.

While it's a big name brand and no doubt it will be a mecca for the city's wannabe hipster brigade, starbucks is blandness personified! Exceptionally ordinary coffee teamed with overpriced prepacked snacks and cakes.

They've pretty much taken over Dublin city centre in the last 18 months so clearly they feel there are opportunities to be exploited in the regional cities. I just hope their presence does not have an adverse impact upon the decent collection of independent cafes we now have in the city centre.

I agree with you about hoping a clothes shop would have opened there. A Topman, Bershka, Gap, Pull and Bear etc would have been handy. Anyway good to see the unit finally occupied.

phill106 · 18-04-2014 5:15pm

I bet that coffee shop in easons is delighted...

Mr E · 18-04-2014 5:20pm

Insomnia has better coffee...

Parchment · 18-04-2014 5:25pm

Starbucks is in U.L!

Berty · 18-04-2014 5:59pm

Mr E wrote: »

Insomnia has better coffee...

Had, I would say, until they changed their supplier to Pallas Foods / UnitedCoffee so the Coffee is not the same anymore. I only found out when I visited the one in town and I asked why the Coffee was so weak. She hadn't a clue till I spotted the sticker on the side of the machine. Such as shame because their Coffee was always a nice Dark Roast so you knew you were drinking Coffee unlike some of the swill on offer around town.

highlydebased · 18-04-2014 6:08pm

Parchment wrote: »

Starbucks is in U.L!

They only serve Starbucks coffee (doesn't even seem to be the real thing if you ask me) in Starbucks cups- it's not the full on Starbucks coffee shop per se.

The Moldy Gowl · 18-04-2014 7:16pm

Sure it's Starbucks???

I know costa want to move to town. Area manager said it to a girl I know if she wanted to be manager.

Can't remember where she said.

1huge1 · 18-04-2014 8:43pm

Its not actually Starbucks in UL, they just sell ''Starbucks brand coffee'', doesn't taste as nice as Starbucks coffee (not that starbucks coffee is amazing).

While a retailer would of been preferable, this might just be the little jolt that cruises street needs to get a bit of life back to it.

Starbucks is going to be busy no matter where it is in the city centre.

seachto7 · 18-04-2014 10:05pm

Limerick - full of coffee shops and takeaways, surrounded by boarded up shops.

The Dagda · 18-04-2014 10:14pm

seachto7 wrote: »

Limerick - full of coffee shops and takeaways, surrounded by boarded up shops.

Don't forget the Euro Stores...

Poxyshamrock · 19-04-2014 2:48am

I don't think we can complain about the arrival of one of the biggest brands in the world in the same way we do about discount stores! :rolleyes:

Mc Love · 19-04-2014 8:57am

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

I don't think we can complain about the arrival of one of the biggest brands in the world in the same way we do about discount stores! :rolleyes:

Sure if it was M&S Limerick city would be saved! :pac:

Berty · 19-04-2014 9:23am

M&S would be worth €10m to the city though.

bigpink · 19-04-2014 4:30pm

Starbucks would kill all the small coffee shops

miralize · 19-04-2014 4:36pm

bigpink wrote: »

Starbucks would kill all the small coffee shops

Doubt it. Dublin has about 20 starbucks but the local coffee shops there are thriving.

bigpink · 19-04-2014 5:21pm

That's Dublin.it has good independent places and population.if 200 people a day go to Starbucks say that's alot of business lost

Vanquished · 19-04-2014 6:10pm

miralize wrote: »

Doubt it. Dublin has about 20 starbucks but the local coffee shops there are thriving.

Well you would like to think so but that remains to be seen.

Dublin has a large population and high, solid city centre footfall. Limerick has neither.

Jofspring · 20-04-2014 12:15am

Not everyone is into Starbucks and that will still keep the other coffee shops going even though it will obviously hit them some what, just like any big coffee shop opening in the city centre. I for one really like Starbucks Mochas. They are the only thing bar the mint tea that I have tried from Starbucks but I for one love it. There is no doubt it will bring more trade to Crusies Street and they usually have big staff numbers so that more jobs for the city centre. Its a big plus if you ask me. Wouldn't we all be whinging if they had taken the easy option and gone straight for one of the empty units in the crescent and skipped the city centre. Also wouldn't the hipsters do the exact opposite of go to starbucks? like head to a cool hip not so popular coffee shop to be different or am I missing the point of hipsters.

phog · 20-04-2014 9:47am

bigpink wrote: »

Starbucks would kill all the small coffee shops

It may effect a few but I think your reaction is way OTT.

Some people have different tastes for coffee, location/costs will be a deciding factor on where people will head to for a cuppa.

Buckeye · 22-04-2014 11:39am

phill106 wrote: »

I bet that coffee shop in easons is delighted...

They probably are -

Anywhere a Starbucks opens, coffee sales at nearby coffee shops tend to increase noticeably.

Limerick_Lass · 23-04-2014 5:11pm

Hook and Ladder is opening in Limerick soon, I wonder is it where Instore was located.

"Hook & Ladder prides itself on high quality products, but also offers something different, in terms of an overall experience. Customers can relish the store’s delicious café offerings, buy locally sourced produce from the Artisan display, purchase a distinctive and inspiring range of occasional furniture, soft furnishings, lamps, gifts etc, all with the help of expertly trained staff. In addition to this, a child & nursing friendly environment, unrestricted Wi-Fi, books and daily newspapers ensure that our customers can relax, and enjoy their meal or one of our delicious home-baked cakes"
(Taken from their website)

The one in Waterford has a cookery school, lets hope they bring that idea to Limerick too!

source · 23-04-2014 5:25pm

Limerick_Lass wrote: »

Hook and Ladder is opening in Limerick soon, I wonder is it where Instore was located.

"Hook & Ladder prides itself on high quality products, but also offers something different, in terms of an overall experience. Customers can relish the store’s delicious café offerings, buy locally sourced produce from the Artisan display, purchase a distinctive and inspiring range of occasional furniture, soft furnishings, lamps, gifts etc, all with the help of expertly trained staff. In addition to this, a child & nursing friendly environment, unrestricted Wi-Fi, books and daily newspapers ensure that our customers can relax, and enjoy their meal or one of our delicious home-baked cakes"
(Taken from their website)

The one in Waterford has a cookery school, lets hope they bring that idea to Limerick too!

They've been "opening soon" for about 6 months now.

It's going in the unit under the Mogul Emperor, at the bottom of Sarsfield Street.

Poxyshamrock · 23-04-2014 6:04pm

Hook and Ladder is opening on the 15th of May.

As far as I know, the cookery school will be in the basement.

ComputerKing · 25-04-2014 8:06pm

I think a Starbucks is good for the city and that people here are over reacting. Would love to see a good men's clothing store like top man and bull and bear open.
Now there's also supposed to be some sort of River island type shop being opened by a secondary school student he has some sort of website called the beach nation.

ComputerKing · 25-04-2014 8:07pm

I think a Starbucks is good for the city and that people here are over reacting. Would love to see a good men's clothing store like top man and bull and bear open.
Now there's also supposed to be some sort of River island type shop being opened by a secondary school student he has some sort of website called the beach nation.

MilfordBud · 28-04-2014 2:04pm

Not exactly opening, but GILT have outgrown their offices in the building I work in and are moving in to Charlotte's Quay. There's an article in the Leader but I can't post it as I haven't the post count.

Keeping the sales teams out here in Castletroy but a lot of the jobs moving in to city centre.

Swiper the fox · 30-04-2014 3:08pm

Starbucks might do alright as it's a world recognised brand but the coffee certainly isn't anything to rave about, it's absolutely fine, that's all I'd say about it, there is better coffee in at least 5 places in the city centre, probably more.

The soup place which has opened at the bottom of William street is excellent if the two soups I got out of there this lunchtime (1. wild garlic, sweet potato and butternut squash 2. Leek, bacon, pea, mint and basil) are anything to go on.

FutureGuy · 01-05-2014 11:14am

1) Swiper, what you doing in Limerick?

2) Soup place is indeed awesome.

3) Starbucks is a superb addition to the city centre, regardless of the quality of their fare.

Itsdacraic · 01-05-2014 12:07pm

Are the soup place missing a trick by offering soup only? Most people want a bit more for their lunch. What size are the portions?

Soup might tend to be a bit seasonal as well?

bigpink · 01-05-2014 12:17pm

Is it fresh homemade or fresh from pack with veg thrown in and reheated for days

Swiper the fox · 01-05-2014 2:00pm

FutureGuy wrote: »

1) Swiper, what you doing in Limerick?

2) Soup place is indeed awesome.

3) Starbucks is a superb addition to the city centre, regardless of the quality of their fare.

I've lived here for the last twelve years, you probably assumed I was far too cosmopolitan for the place but it's not so:(

The soup is so good I've had it today as well, the Mediterranean fish soup is incredible. This place will be bedlam in winter.

black & white · 02-05-2014 8:28am

bigpink wrote: »

Is it fresh homemade or fresh from pack with veg thrown in and reheated for days

I was there yesterday and it was fresh homemade with homemade brown bread as well. A small soup and 2 slices of bread was just under a fiver, good sized portion and I really enjoyed it. They had a selection of sambos, rolls and a coffee machine so you don't have to have soup for lunch.

Vanquished · 08-05-2014 12:27pm

Well Starbucks may be coming to Limerick but they won't be setting up camp in the former HMV premises. That's actually going to become a Costa coffee outlet.

Interestingly planning permission has also been sought recently for a new cafe in the crescent shopping centre fronting the central square area beside Tesco.

The plot thickens!

phog · 08-05-2014 12:29pm

I see an Alterations Shop similar to Zip Yard have opened on Sarsfield St, opp the Old Dunne's Stores, near Pier One Hotel

vkid · 08-05-2014 1:42pm

Vanquished wrote: »

Well Starbucks may be coming to Limerick but they won't be setting up camp in the former HMV premises. That's actually going to become a Costa coffee outlet.

Interestingly planning permission has also been sought recently for a new cafe in the crescent shopping centre fronting the central square area beside Tesco.

The plot thickens!

Really, really not a fan of Costa Coffee. Can't see it attracting a whole pile of people to the city center either

Jofspring · 08-05-2014 1:46pm

Ya it's not exactly going to draw people in with two stores already on the outskirts of the city. I'm just glad though to see that the building is going to have a tenant. Looks awful having the first building on that end of Cruises Street empty.

Mr E · 08-05-2014 3:03pm

Balls... I'd prefer anything to Costa - their coffee isn't great.

The Moldy Gowl · 08-05-2014 4:34pm

Gowlasauras Rex wrote: »

Sure it's Starbucks???

I know costa want to move to town. Area manager said it to a girl I know if she wanted to be manager.

Can't remember where she said.

Called it 3 weeks ago.

Thing about costa is they aren't competitive or flexible. Will still have the same prices, 2 euro more for coffee and 3 euro more for pre made crap sandwiches.

Any store can beat them, costa don't care about customers. They treat their stores more like a Tesco.

But some people just like to buy the name, which is a shame.

Pumpkinseeds · 08-05-2014 4:54pm

Mr E wrote: »

Balls... I'd prefer anything to Costa - their coffee isn't great.

Actually I really like their Latte. Costa is the only place that I've been able to get a latte that's the perfect temperature for me, everywhere else it's so hot the flavour is destroyed and it burns my lips. So many places in Ireland are so bad at lattes that I just order a cup of filter coffee, it's hard for them to screw that up.

Their food is far too overpriced though.

The Moldy Gowl · 08-05-2014 4:57pm

Just ask them to heat the milk up to 140f

If a coffee shop can't do that or know how to do that, then just don't get coffee there.

Exile on Grafton St. · 09-05-2014 9:40am

I don't want to derail this thread, but can anyone remember the last time a high profile major retailer opened a store in the City Centre? I know that a lot of the units in town aren't large enough to cater for these types of stores, but surely Starbucks could have found a suitable unit for their needs.

I just hope this isn't a sign that Starbucks didn't think the city centre wasn't classy enough for them and would prefer to open in the Crescent or another Irish city centre...

flutered · 09-05-2014 9:47am

it is eight years ago that i was told that the were to be coming, a club in town were all set to sak them for a sponsership deal, i told the m two things, one that they were not set up yet, two they do not do such deals, i was speaking to the same guy recently and i asked him were they still all set to approach them, he said its best to wait.

The Moldy Gowl · 09-05-2014 10:16am

There is no reason for them to open in the city.

They would make 15k a week in cresent and 30/40 at Christmas.

They would be lucky to make 5k a week in the city

Might as well just wait until somewhere in the cresent is free.

tommy249 · 09-05-2014 11:36am

Gowlasauras Rex wrote: »

They would make 15k a week in cresent and 30/40 at Christmas.

They would be lucky to make 5k a week in the city

Interesting stats - what is the basis for them? -also, what about the thousands of people that work in the city center during the day? It's not just shoppers who buy coffee

Limerick Businesses Opening

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