Florist Margaret Madden has been fielding well wishers for almost two weeks after herself and husband Michael announced their shop on Flood Street will close tomorrow, Friday, July 4, after 38 years.
More accustomed to handing out cards to accompany her abundant bouquets, the lifelong retailer has herself been receiving cards, handshakes and hugs from loyal customers, friends and neighbours since making the decision to close up shop.
The business’ social media pages have been inundated with good luck messages too. A poster on the front door and a Facebook post from the Maddens thanks everyone who made Bill Madden’s Florists a success over the years, including its “customers, dedicated and talented staff, our suppliers, our friends and family.”
Madden is not quite ready for retirement yet, she says, and will continue to offer funereal, sympathy flowers from her premises above the retail shop. “For how long? We’ll see how we get on…” says the wily businesswoman.
Margaret (68 ) says herself and Michael’s (74 ) decision to close is partly influenced by having done their time in the family business. It was founded in the 1950s by Michael’s father Bill Madden, and previously operated at 28 Shop Street, between Mullins Butchers and Cummins’ chemists, at what is now Flanagan’s Total Health Pharmacy.
Five staff will be let go when the shop closes, and Margaret says although the city centre might be “booming” she cites expensive car parking, and some Galwegians’ aversion to catching a bus into town, as changes in the retail environment.
The 800 square foot ground floor of the busy retail shop on Flood Street is up for sale. In its description, auctioneer BV Real Estate describes the shop’s large windows as providing excellent natural light, creating an inviting and welcoming ambiance for retail or other businesses.
“We think it’s simply just time to go now,” smiles Margaret, as sunshine streams in onto the last flowers being tied up with ribbon, destined to bring colour, romance, joy and sympathies into homes across Galway, as they have for nearly three quarters of a century.