Shock Closures Hit Limerick’s Iconic Menswear Retailer

The sudden closure of all three branches of Noel’s Menswear, a well-known retailer in Limerick, has left parents perplexed just weeks before the back-to-school season. The family-run business, which has operated for over 40 years, has closed its outlets at Bedford Row in the city centre, the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle, and in Newcastle West without prior warning.

Since the start of August, the stores have remained shuttered, raising concerns among local families who rely on them for school uniforms. One parent expressed sadness about the closure, stating, “They were always so easy to deal with. It’s sad to see it now temporarily closed, as they have put it. Everyone is a bit confused as it is so close to the time children are going back to school.”

Notably, signs posted on the doors inform customers that the stores are “temporarily closed” and provide a contact number for school uniform collections or alterations. A statement from Noel’s Menswear on social media confirmed the closures, stating, “The Noel’s Stores in Bedford Row, Crescent Shopping Centre, Newcastle West and The Long For The Outdoors store in the Crescent Shopping Centre are temporarily closed.”

The situation has escalated as it has been revealed that Wickham Properties, the trading name for Noel’s Menswear, is facing a winding-up petition. This legal action typically occurs when a company is unable to meet its financial obligations. A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for August 20, although further details regarding the time and location have not been disclosed.

The Long family—Vanessa, Bryan, Maureen, Noel, and Garry—operates Noel’s Menswear, as noted on the Crescent Shopping Centre official website. Attempts to reach the store via the provided contact number yielded limited results, with a voice message left unanswered. A visit to the store on Bedford Row revealed empty premises, only displaying remnants of the window displays.

Historically, Noel’s Menswear has been a staple in the Limerick community, providing many men with their first suits and offering a range of children’s wear. At the beginning of last year, the business employed 17 staff members. For the majority of its history, the store was located on Wickham Street before relocating to Bedford Row about a decade ago. The closure comes amid a challenging retail environment, as another store, Shoeshop Schuh, also closed its city centre branch earlier this year.

As the back-to-school season approaches, the future of Noel’s Menswear remains uncertain, leaving many in the community anxious about the potential loss of a beloved local retailer.