Long established Laois jewellers retiring with sale of two Portlaoise shops

A business that has played a vital role in the commercial life of Portlaoise Main Street is coming to an end, in a surprise decision by its owners.

Gerry Browne Jewellers, with shops on Main Street and Bull Lane, has gone on the Laois property market as a profitable going concern.

The business which employs 12 people including its owners Gerry and Alison Browne, has been a fixture in Portlaoise for over 60 years.

It was founded by Gerry's father, the late Des Browne, a talented jeweller who passed away two years ago.

Gerry spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on January 15 after the business sale was advertised in the Sunday Business Post over the weekend.

"We have decided to retire. It was a huge decision.

"It was my 43rd Christmas in the business. We put in a good stint and now it's time for ourselves. I'll be 65 this year. 

"A lot of business people don't think about it until it's too late," he said.

As to his hopes for the business's future, "a quick sale" would be nice he said.

"Ah no it will be a long haul we know that.

“It is a very profitable business and we are selling it as a going concern.

“We will wait until we have a buyer. It will not be like a tooth missing on Main Street," he said.

Gerry said the decision to step back was not influenced by the cost of doing business such as rates.

"Not for our business. We are here so long, we have seen a lot of recessions,” he said.

He agreed that their success was helped by the fact that the premises are owned by the family so renting was not a cost factor.

Their future plans include more time for their hiking hobby, Gerry said.

"I got Roz Purcell's book on the best 50 hikes in Ireland, we've done a few, I'd like to finish them.

“We walk regularly with the Slieve Bloom Walking Group they are brilliant.

“I will be retaining my same interest in Portlaoise Tidy Towns too," he said.

Both shops are on the market, with no asking price given.

The sale is described by Hume Auctioneers as "a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly-profitable business, turnkey and ready to go".

The business sells leading brands of jewellery, with a fully-equipped workshop and an online store.

All enquiries are being handled by John Dunne of Hume Auctioneers.