Menswear shops close in latest blow to Limerick's retail scene

TWO prominent menswear retailers have closed for the final time in Limerick.

Camden Square and Tailor of Blue, both based at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle, have confirmed in identical statements these stores have ceased trading.

This took effect from Saturday, January 3 last.

The statements were posted both online and in the shop window of the two outlets at the Dooradoyle centre.

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They said the stores - owned by the same parent company - had ceased trading and thanked customers for their “loyalty, support, and custom over the years”.

“Despite our best efforts, the continued rise in operational costs, tightening margins, and an increasingly competitive retail market have made it impossible for the business to continue,” the firms added in a statement.

Camden Square described itself as a “menswear store for the discerning fashion-conscious male”.

It stated its primary target customers were men looking to step outside their comfort zone for a more daring look.

Also with an outlet in Carlow, it offered a hands-on and tailored approach.

Tailor of Blue, which also had an outlet in Carlow, stocked more informal clothing.

It offered brands like 11 Degrees, SikSilk, Gym King, Sinners Attire, 304, Pre London and more.

Up to the beginning of 2021, Tailor of Blue also had a presence in the city centre.

It was located at Bedford Row.

However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the closure of non-essential retail for a time, hit the company hard.

As a consequence, it shuttered its store in the street.

Both Tailor of Blue and Camden Square are owned by McGovern Fashion, which has an address in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare.

The parent company has been operational since 2002 in Ireland.