Tralee Thread (No chit-chat)

delthedriver

newman10 wrote: »

Just an opinion from a non Tralee person, but if you had M&S in Manor the Town Centre would be tumbleweeded except for euro/pound shops. By rejecting M&S some councillors fought to save the Town

Thank you for your post and comments. Yes there may have been concerns along the lines you expressed

As a 'blow in' myself, TTC have neither saved the Town , nor attracted M&S within an ass's roar of the town!

Killarney managed to save their town even though M&S are located in a retail park outside the town. Killarney Town Centre has thrived since the arrival of M&S. No sign of any tumbleweed, though like any other town in Ireland there is a handful of € shops in existence. The most notable one being Dealz which is due to open in Tralee shortly.

TTC were too busy being lobbied by people with their own agenda's, while trying to keep some self serving interests happy they were blinded and could not see the bigger picture. Sadly those with business brains on the Council were outnumbered by those without.

I believe there is room for both a thriving Town Centre and Manor. Indeed Aldi are presently building a second shop on John Joe Sheehy Road next to the Railway Station.

Tralee Town is alive and well, in the last few months we have seen a number of new local businesses set up, including restaurants, bars ,coffee shops ,hair salons, barbers, boutiques, high end clothes shops.This has been due to the entrepreneurial spirit which exists in the business community, not the Tralee Town Council

During visits to Tralee over this summer I have not seen any tumbleweed , but an abundance of fabulous hanging baskets and plant displays for example in Denny Street.

The future is bright , but it is necessary that locals do all they can to support local business.

Please come and visit Tralee, you will be surprised at just how much it has to offer .:)

traleespud

The difference between Tralee and Killarney in this respect is the type of shops that are available in both towns. I'm sure as with Tralee many Killarney locals are probably shopping on the outskirts of town in the likes of Tescos, Homebase, M&S. Where Killarney make up for this is there town centre is geared to suit tourists. Every second shop has a nick nack souvenir section selling everything from crystal glass to sticks of rock. Tralee has very little shops like this in comparison to Killarney and as a result the town centre does suffer. With the exception of Dan Fitzgeralds, Carraig Donn and a few others there's very little in Tralee town to attract a tourist to shop. Killarney town centre would be exactly the same if it weren't for tourists. Most locals will sticks to the outskirts with retail parks where there's usually free parking and a mixture of the shops locals need all in the one spot, groceries, diy, clothes etc.

Having said all that I think Tralee town is currently doing alot better than it has been.

Thank God!!!

ongarboy

Yeah, maybe its the fine weather this summer but any recent visits back home to Tralee have really impressed me. The sunshine long into the evenings and the blooming hanging floral baskets, the flowerbeds by the Pikeman, the outdoor dining on the Square, the now mature leafy treas all along the Mall, the Town Park, the occupation of long vacant units painted in vibrant and appropriate colours (Sole Addiction, Art'n'Hobby Shop, Yummy Cafe, Rockabilly, Nightjar, The Barge, Stonehouse, Roast House, Quinlan's Fish'n'Chips, Mr Duffys sweetshop, Maryanne's TeaRooms, Shoe Rack among others) have enhanced my views of my former hometown.

By the way, these are mostly individual independently owned stores which give Tralee a uniqueness. Yes, chain stores are also welcome for competition, jobs and price but tourists will be more impressed by individuality than by repetitive high street names they'll see in their towns back home elsewhere. On the back of this, through word of mouth, these visitors may recommend other friends and families to visit.

Killarney is an internationally renowned tourist destination and Tralee will never be on the same playing field as Killarney for the tourist dollar or punt or euro. That's ok but there is still a niche Tralee can provide as an alternative tourist destination. A lot done and a lot more to do. I think Tralee and the newly formed Chamber Alliance are already generating results!

counterlock

delthedriver wrote: »

TTC were too busy being lobbied by people with their own agenda's, while trying to keep some self serving interests happy they were blinded and could not see the bigger picture. Sadly those with business brains on the Council were outnumbered by those without.

I'm all for bashing TTC/KCC but the decision made was correct imo. It was made to keep the town centre alive.

newman10

IMO there are major differences in the Retail experience of Tralee and Killarney. Killarney is a Tourist town in which the main priority of retailers is to service Tourists.

Have a look at the Town centre from the Cinema to Pennys to Ulster Bank. At least 80% of the retailers sell some form of food to service the Tourism Trade. Clothing shops come and go (due to Rent,Rates etc) but Food is constant. M&S is not the big draw in Deerpark IMO it is Tesco and the other retailers are a piggyback. The Outlet centre is geared to Nike and the turnover of tenants prove this. Thus Killarney town centre is not geared to retail.

At least in Tralee you still have a vibrancy about retail, it may be tough at the moment, but you have a new Outdoor Clothing shop, Choice of Clothing and Footwear Shops and Dept Stores.

Embrace what you have, all on the other side of the ditch is not green. Ask any of the 180 M&S employees who have lost their jobs

delthedriver

counterlock wrote: »

I'm all for bashing TTC/KCC but the decision made was correct imo. It was made to keep the town centre alive.

Perhaps you are right.

Certainly Tralee town centre has remained alive and is indeed making a serious effort at fighting back. The Square being a prime example of how existing businesses have fought their way through the recession, which are now complimented by some of the recent new entrants.

While drinking coffee in Aines recently I observed only one empty business unit in the Square, which other Towns would be envious of even in the boom.

The building in question was the former AVIVA office, which should attract a suitable occupier as the premises is of a very high standard ,suitable for both retail and professional office uses.

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Tralee.

delthedriver

newman10 wrote: »

IMO there are major differences in the Retail experience of Tralee and Killarney. Killarney is a Tourist town in which the main priority of retailers is to service Tourists.

Have a look at the Town centre from the Cinema to Pennys to Ulster Bank. At least 80% of the retailers sell some form of food to service the Tourism Trade. Clothing shops come and go (due to Rent,Rates etc) but Food is constant. M&S is not the big draw in Deerpark IMO it is Tesco and the other retailers are a piggyback. The Outlet centre is geared to Nike and the turnover of tenants prove this. Thus Killarney town centre is not geared to retail.

At least in Tralee you still have a vibrancy about retail, it may be tough at the moment, but you have a new Outdoor Clothing shop, Choice of Clothing and Footwear Shops and Dept Stores.

Embrace what you have, all on the other side of the ditch is not green. Ask any of the 180 M&S employees who have lost their jobs

You are quite correct. Tralee has unique family owned businesses, for example Walsh Bros for quality footwear, Henneberrys Sports apparel and equipment, Der O'Sullivan Bar, Restaurant Deli. Any of the aforementioned businesses easily surpass the sales and service of any National retailer.

I have no doubt posters here could add a long list of other businesses to the few I mentioned. Indeed I for one would be delighted if people could:)

RevBlueJeans

delthedriver wrote: »

You are quite correct. Tralee has unique family owned businesses, for example Walsh Bros for quality footwear, Henneberrys Sports apparel and equipment, Der O'Sullivan Bar, Restaurant Deli. Any of the aforementioned businesses easily surpass the sales and service of any National retailer.

I have no doubt posters here could add a long list of other businesses to the few I mentioned. Indeed I for one would be delighted if people could:)

Walsh Bros, Horans and Der O'Sullivans are in Killarney as well!:)

I still cant see how a little M&S out let such as proposed for Tralee and won by Killarney could have any significant impact in the respective town centres.

If it was another mega Tescos maybe but not a little M&S colocated with a large Tescos as is the case both in Manor and Deerpark.

Ciarrai76

I noticed that the town has been so busy this past week. A lot of people around, which is great for the week before the festival! The town is looking really well, plenty of colour and flowers to brighten it up. There will be a great buzz around this week & coming weekend for the festival lets hope the sun shines too!

delthedriver

RevBlueJeans wrote: »

Walsh Bros, Horans and Der O'Sullivans are in Killarney as well!:)

I still cant see how a little M&S out let such as proposed for Tralee and won by Killarney could have any significant impact in the respective town centres.

If it was another mega Tescos maybe but not a little M&S colocated with a large Tescos as is the case both in Manor and Deerpark.

I am inclined to agree with you. It isn't as if M&S were planning a flagship store like Merchants Quay in Cork, or even the smaller store in Douglas. Was there hope that they would agree to move into a proposed location on John Joe Sheehy Road? All history now, I guess.:)

delthedriver

Ciarrai76 wrote: »

I noticed that the town has been so busy this past week. A lot of people around, which is great for the week before the festival! The town is looking really well, plenty of colour and flowers to brighten it up. There will be a great buzz around this week & coming weekend for the festival lets hope the sun shines too!

Yes there have been a huge amount of tourists in Tralee area from both home and abroad this Summer. Indeed I recently met a family from Galway who had never been in Co.Kerry before. decided to holiday at home this year and chose Tralee as their base.They were very impressed with all Tralee had to offer, Aquadome, Wetlands, town centre shopping in particular the more specialised shops. They were also surfing in Banna and enjoyed dining out in Tralee's many restaurants.
Certainly there has been a great buzz all Summer, the atmosphere should be amazing. The sun will be shining on all the Roses:)

newman10

RevBlueJeans wrote: »

Walsh Bros, Horans and Der O'Sullivans are in Killarney as well!:)

I still cant see how a little M&S out let such as proposed for Tralee and won by Killarney could have any significant impact in the respective town centres.

If it was another mega Tescos maybe but not a little M&S colocated with a large Tescos as is the case both in Manor and Deerpark.

My point is that you dont need a M&S. Tralee has a great choice for Shops. Look around and see what the Town has to offer

kn

Might be a stupid question but is Dealz definitely opening this month? Because there does not seem to be anything stirring at the Abbey Court unit. No shelving, no decoration etc in fact no nothing.

delthedriver

kn wrote: »

Might be a stupid question but is Dealz definitely opening this month? Because there does not seem to be anything stirring at the Abbey Court unit. No shelving, no decoration etc in fact no nothing.

No such thing as a stupid question!

I guess they won't open until Sept at earliest:)

Jimmyireland

newman10 wrote: »

Just an opinion from a non Tralee person, but if you had M&S in Manor the Town Centre would be tumbleweeded except for euro/pound shops. By rejecting M&S some councillors fought to save the Town

Agreed

starlit

The old dunnes at the mall could be a new m and s if they wanted a small outlet bigger one if to go to manor but where they put it? The likes of woodies and debenhams would need to be big stores anyway but can see why manor affect the town. Sure you've dunnes and penney's and heatons and other shops that do well that aren't in manor should keep the town going? Places to eat and all that in town.

starlit

delthedriver wrote: »

That is great value , 4 live acts for €10 !

Sounds like a great line up of acts this year. Did I see an ad that had the coronas and keywest playing Saturday in the dome?
The stunning and jls and Bon jovie tribute band sound good. Something for everyone for rose fest.

Lelantos

doovdela wrote: »

Sounds like a great line up of acts this year. Did I see an ad that had the coronas and keywest playing Saturday in the dome?
The stunning and jls and Bon jovie tribute band sound good. Something for everyone for rose fest.

Coronas in the dome, bon jovee in the brandon. They are gigs you would expect to pay for. Open air bands in Denny st, no, I would not expect to pay for them. It goes against the spirit of the festival & smacks of greed imo

Lelantos

Ciarrai76 wrote: »

yeah, I wasn't too happy to hear it was going to cost €10 to literally pass a barrier in Denny St! Stand at Paddy Macs with a drink & hear them for free! I've seen the Stunning live about 3 times, all excellent gigs. They are on at 11pm, but Walking on Cars are on early, as well as Picturehouse and Ryan Sheridan, so its €10 for the lot, which isn't too bad. I guess its more crowd control issues, but I remember when Westlife played it was ticket only, but they were free! And when James Brown played it was totally free and not tickets needed. That was probably the best act I remember play for the festival! Unreal!

I am in total agreement re the big open air concerts. INXS, Big Country, James Brown (with the daughter of Joe Brown & the bruverrs) they are gigs that will stay with me, brilliant atmosphere & a little something for the ordinary people of Tralee as a thank you.

michael999999

Parked outside Argos, and a woman pulls in front of me and parks. Her car is empty bar herself. She gets out and opens the boot, and her 7 or 8 year old child gets out!

Some parents need locking up!

carchaeologist

michael999999 wrote: »

Parked outside Argos, and a woman pulls in front of me and parks. Her car is empty bar herself. She gets out and opens the boot, and her 7 or 8 year old child gets out!

Some parents need locking up!

Lol, that's a good one!

michael999999

carchaeologist wrote: »

Lol, that's a good one!

If only I had my dash cam working, that was one for you tube!

carchaeologist

michael999999 wrote: »

If only I had my dash cam working, that was one for you tube!

Dash cam, that's something I gotta get.

Ciarrai76

Lelantos wrote: »

I am in total agreement re the big open air concerts. INXS, Big Country, James Brown (with the daughter of Joe Brown & the bruverrs) they are gigs that will stay with me, brilliant atmosphere & a little something for the ordinary people of Tralee as a thank you.

INXS??? did they play during the festival???
I remember missing the Beautiful South playing, I think I was repeating exams in uni at the time...I was not happy! lol

Lelantos

Ciarrai76 wrote: »

INXS??? did they play during the festival???
I remember missing the Beautiful South playing, I think I was repeating exams in uni at the time...I was not happy! lol

They did, post Michael Hutchence. Still a cracking band

Ciarrai76

Lelantos wrote: »

They did, post Michael Hutchence. Still a cracking band

wow, I never knew that! What year was that? Pity it wasn't when Michael was alive!

kn

Is anyone else finding 3 mobile broadband down since yesterday?

Lelantos

Ciarrai76 wrote: »

wow, I never knew that! What year was that? Pity it wasn't when Michael was alive!

This was 2001, I don't think we would have been able to attract them if Hutchence was still alive?

Ciarrai76

Lelantos wrote: »

This was 2001, I don't think we would have been able to attract them if Hutchence was still alive?

ah, I was living in Dublin by then and I wasn't able to come home for the festival due to work.

delthedriver

Was in town this pm, the traffic was extremely heavy.

Please open the New Ring Road this week.

Great buzz around the place, weather fabulous, hopefully both will continue for the festival.