Bubble bursts as sisters' shop closes on Portlaoise Main Street

Some 18 months since it first opened it's doors, a shop on Portlaoise Main Street is closing down.

S&S Soap Sisters, owned by sisters Samantha Moloney Murphy and Sinéad Moloney, is to shut at the end of January. 

First forming their business in 2020, the Cashel natives opened at 82 Main Street in mid 2022, stocking a luxurious range of handmade and organic bath salts, body scrubs, candles, soy wax candles, bath bombs, pillow mists, lip balms, soy wax melts, reed diffusers and sumptuous soap bars.

They were the first in Laois to avail of the Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme, a collaboration between Laois County Council and Laois Chamber which was launched in Portlaoise as the pilot town in March 2022, offering cut price business rates.

The sisters announced their tough decision on January 11.

"A Dear Valued Customers, We hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible support you have provided to our business over the years.

"It is with mixed emotions that we share the news of the closure of our business, effective at the end of this month. The decision to close was a difficult one, but we want to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact you have had on our journey.

"Your loyalty and support have been the driving force behind our success, and we are truly grateful for each and every customer who has walked through our doors or engaged with our services. Your support has allowed us to grow and thrive, and we have cherished the relationships we’ve built along the way.

"As we approach the end of this chapter, we want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly. Economic challenges and unforeseen circumstances have led us to this point, and we believe it is the best decision for all involved.

"While we may be closing our doors, we are having a wonderful sale for you to enjoy.

"Once again, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support. It has been an honor to serve you, and we are truly thankful for the memories and experiences we’ve shared. We hope that our paths may cross again in the future.

Many thanks, Sam & Sinead