Laois town's boutique owner reverses decision to close down shop

A ladies boutique in a Laois town that was to shut down, has reversed its decision, and will try and stay open.

World of Sparkles is in Mountmellick, which has seen many shops close down in the past three years, including Shaws department store, Horan's gift shop, Breda's gift shop, Yvonne's florist and Steve's Bargain Central. 

it was last October when Kristina Melne proprietor of World of Sparkles had announced the closure.

Widespread disappointment followed from her customers, but this January she has reversed her decision. 

She spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"All my bills went up, it wasn't profitable, the electricity bills were so high. It was just very quiet after Covid, and a lot of people were shopping online. It was a heartbreaking decision.

"I was intending to stay just online, but when I said I was closing, so many local customers asked me not to, saying we badly need shops in the town because there is nothing left, especially for the elderly, and for the social aspect.

"They like to go and look in the shops and meet people for face to face shopping. 90% of my customers come into the shop, they loke to chat to someone. It's not like the younger generation who order online.

"So I came up with a plan, to sell bits and pieces of everything that is missing in the town, and keep employed," she said.

She has one staff member as well as herself, and another in training.

Already the decision is warmly welcomed locally, where Kristina is a firm supporter of charity and community events.

"I live in Portlaoise but I know every person in Mountmellick . There were so many positive comments, I've got so much positive feedback.

"I hope this will work and I can stay open," she said.

Her shop is on O'Moore Street.

"There is free parking here, it's easier to access than Main Street and we have a lot of different shops here. This has nearly become Main Street now in Mountmellick," she said.

The boutique gift shop will open from Tuesdays to Saturdays.