Well-loved Limerick city centre retailer to cease trading after more than 30 years

A WELL-LOVED Limerick city centre trader is to close this Christmas as its owners and management retire.

Silkes One-Stop Art and Stationary will cease trading on Christmas Eve.

One of the region's most popular shops, famous for the big pencil sign above its door, Silke's has for more than 30 years been a creative home for artists, schools and families.

READ MORE: Popular business in Limerick closes after more than a century of trading

Propreitor Owen Silke said: "It’s a bittersweet moment. We’ve had incredible support from the people of the region for over three decades. We’ve seen artists grow and flourish, students become teachers, and teachers become artists.”

He said the family's decision to step down followed the decision of their friend and manager Jane to retire after 20 years.

"The family felt it was the right moment to step back, take stock and we came to this difficult decision," he said.

Mr Silke - a prominent member of the Limerick City Centre Traders Association - paid tribute to his staff, past and present.

He said they've been "the heart and soul of the shop, always ready with a smile, advice, or encouragement for anyone who walked through the door.”

In the run up to the Christmas Eve closure, a retirement clearance sale is to take place.

“Retail has changed so much over the past three decades. We’re proud to have served our community, to have been a
part of such great creativity, and to have shared in so many people’s stories. Now, it’s time to say goodbye with gratitude," Mr Silke said.

He stressed that, all gift vouchers and credit notes will be honoured, and they are encourging people to buy the Limerick gift cards, which will allow customers to shop with Silkes and fellow retailers in the area.

The shop will close for three days from this Saturday, November 15 to prepare stock, and will re-open Thursday, November 20, at 11am for the clearance sale.