Cork business leaders insist Patrick Street will 'continue to thrive' despite two high-profile closures

Business leaders in Cork say Patrick Street will "continue to thrive" despite two high-profile exits from the city's main thoroughfare in the past week.

On Tuesday, it was reported that high-end fashion store Flannels is to close its outlet on Cork's Patrick Street. Two days later, the Flying Tiger Copenhagen outlet began a closing down sale as it departs from its location at 33/34 Patrick Street. 

That site is being incorporated into the planned expansion of Penneys, which will adding 6,000 sq ft to Penneys store and will also bring two vacant units back into use — the former Jack & Jones store, and a vacant unit at No 1 Cook St.

Busy and vibrant

Cork Business Association president Clara O'Neill said Patrick Street remains a busy and vibrant retail destination, offering a diverse mix of businesses. 

"We understand that Flying Tiger’s departure is linked to the planned expansion of Penneys, which will significantly enhance its city centre offering.

“With this investment, alongside the upcoming reopening of the landmark Roches Stores/Debenhams building, we are confident that Patrick Street will continue to thrive."

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented: “It is disappointing to see Flannels and Tiger close, and understand the significant impact on the staff and service providers. Both closures reflect wider changes and restructuring within their groups and the constantly evolving retail environment.

"We also need to recognise the new investments taking place on Patrick Street and across the city centre, but this certainly highlights the challenges businesses continue to face, and the need for ongoing support of our city and town centres in particular.”

Flying Tiger continues to trade at Mahon Point.

Flannels, part of the UK's Frasers Group, opened on the prominent site in the former Eason store in 2023, having acquired the building for €6.5m. 

Closing down sale

However, signs in the store's windows this week advertised a 20% closing-down sale. During the summer, the chain closed its outlet in Dublin's Blanchardstown Centre, which it opened in 2022.

The Cork premises, at 113-115 Patrick Street, was vacated by Eason midway through 2022, when the bookseller and stationer shifted operations after more than 35 years to a new 5,000 sq ft store at 35-36 Patrick Street, on the renovated ground floor of the former Victoria Hotel.

“Flannels is part of the Frasers Group and, while we are not privy to its plans for the premises, we hope to see this landmark building occupied again soon, potentially by another brand within the group," said Ms O'Neill.

“The continued investment across Cork city centre demonstrates its strength and potential as a prime location for retailers and businesses. Cork Business Association will continue to advocate for retail businesses and lobby on their behalf.”