Immigrant Entrepreneurs changing face of Shopping in Dublin

[Sinead]

The main streets of Dublin are still full of established Irish, UK and European stores, however step off them to the streets beyond and you see what Ireland’s new entrepreneurs are offering. With immigration has come a new spirit and it is clear that many immigrants have come to Ireland to set up business for themselves.

The most obvious examples are the shops and businesses set up to service the new communities. Ethnic grocery stores and restaurants are opening at a rapid rate offering produce from 5 continents to eager customers. Food from home and a familiar social outlet seem particularly welcome.

The latest addition to the fray is the Moore St Mall. This medium sized below-street Mall is accessed by escalators from the corner of Parnell St and Moore St in Dublin. It promises Dublin’s ‘newest and most colourful shopping experience’. This shopping centre is obviously setting out to be different.

This week the Moore St Mall was still looking in the early stages and was not attracting many customers from the busy surrounding area. So far there are a number of clothing stores, trinket/party shops and a ladies shoe shop with brands (and sizes!) from China. The Charity Hair Salon had some customers in and their wig display was impressive to see. A Barbers is also open and a juice bar is tucked away in the corner near the back. The American Hip Hop Store is spacious and well stocked and the nice looking wine shop stocks wines from around the world and has a particular emphasis on Hungarian wines which were all reasonably priced. They also had a bargain basket which was tempting. The Lithuanian food store near the Moore Street entrance looked like it was attracting curious new customers into the Mall.

Judging by the number of people shopping and setting up businesses in the surrounding areas it’s only a matter of time before all the units in The Moore Street Mall are filled with businesses run by Ireland’s new immigrants.