Retailer Smyths Toys are pulling out of County Wicklow. The store on Bray’s Florence Road will close its doors on August 16 after selling their premises to discount retailer Dealz in a multi-million euro transaction. Staff members and local residents were left shocked by the announcement last week with concerns being raised that the decision would see consumers travelling outside the county during the busy Christmas period.
When contacted by the Wicklow Voice, Smyths Toys said, “The store staff from Bray have been offered alternative jobs in Dealz and were also offered alternative employment elsewhere with Smyths Toys.” However, the announcement does not reflect the current trend in Bray and Wicklow County as a whole, with a number of high profile retailers arriving, such as Boots, Reads, Starbucks, Eurogiant and Matt Britton Carpets, with more on their way including Wigoders and Cistella Design in addition to Dealz.
Healthcare retailer Holland & Barrett are believed to have purchased the City 2 site and it is believed that they were one of eight businesses bidding on the site who are seeking to make the move to Bray, while rumours are circulating that both Pennys and Heatons are eyeing the town. It is also believed that a number of major brands have expressed interest in occupying the prosed Florentine Centre which was purchased by the council in December 2013. An update on the proposed shopping centre is expected to be presented to local councillors in September.
Aldi was last week refused planning permission for a second store in the Bray on the site of the former Heitons Buckley on Castle Street. Sources have told the Wicklow Voice that the decision to move Smyths Toys out of Bray came following research which showed that gift cards purchased in Bray were being redeemed in the nearby Carrickmines store.
The store had also expressed some frustration with difficulties they experienced with getting delivery trucks to their Bray store and when Dealz made an offer, Smyths decided to close. Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, President of Bray Chamber of Commerce, Rory Benville said, “Bray is one of the largest towns in Ireland and will always be attractive for business. “Locals must support existing and new shops by simply shopping locally!”
