"Woodquay is the hidden gem of Galway," says Niall Marren, co-owner of The Antiques Room with his wife, Michelle. With the business located in the heart of the area, the pair are able to provide a great insight into what makes Woodquay tick.
"Woodquay is a wonderful place to be," says Niall. "It is unique to Galway as it provides a scene from a market 30 years ago; a wonderful mixture of traditional style businesses and modern, contemporary stores. It is also unusual as it has the great traditional mix of local, family owned businesses sitting next to family owned residential homes creating a real community spirit.
"It is centrally located with easy access and ample parking which has been of huge benefit to businesses and customers availing of the click and collect model over lockdown. And with the great number of bars and cafes, it is a cool place in which to relax after the working day is done."
Family owned, The Antiques Room specialises in vintage, antique, engagement, and wedding jewellery. Michelle believes the business has taken positives from the lockdown experience, providing time to reflect as well as seeing increase in the support of shopping local.
"The Covid-19 pandemic has given time to people to reflect, what has value and what has importance. We wanted to use the time in lockdown productively. We have improved our website and our social media reach on Facebook and Instagram and we have noticed a huge increase in traffic browsing our stock online.
"The loyalty from our local customers has been superb. People are thinking shop local and by shopping local, you are able to speak to the owner or an employee on the phone or social media when you have a query or when it is possible, coming into the store. There is that local, friendly connection that you cannot get by shopping with the likes of Amazon.
"Our customers have really embraced the idea because I think there is something special about buying an engagement ring for example in Woodquay rather than from a shop in Dubai or New York."
Christmas is coming and Michelle and Niall say the business is looking forward to the festive period. "We are looking forward to Christmas come what may with regards to lockdown. We hope to see our customers very soon in the shop where we can safely interact and safely trade in line with all Government regulations.
"We hope post-lockdown, our friends and fellow businesses in Woodquay and indeed Galway will survive and thrive."
