This year sees the 10th anniversary of Right Price Tiles’ opening in Oranmore Business Park. The store was set up in 2001 by Cyril McCluskey, a former sales representative from Dublin. After his work with Unilever brought him to the city on a regular basis, he realised the potential stored in the area and moved quickly when a business opportunity presented itself.
“A friend of mine owned the franchise, and at that stage the only stores were in Cork and Waterford. He wanted to expand into Galway and I fancied a career change so the opportunity was ideal. After six months preparation we opened the store here in Oranmore where we remain to this day.”
Right Price Tiles in Oranmore has been a huge success and has triggered the opening of a further 19 franchises around the country. Over its 10 year existence, the store has seen a host of changes, both in the local area and within the business itself. Oranmore is a growing town, and the economic situation has seen a curious trend in the tiling retail industry.
“Probably what’s struck me most is the how much Oranmore has developed, and that’s been reflected in our business. When we first opened, it was nearly all renovations. However, then we started getting more business from new build homes, but in the last couple of years we’re seeing more and more people return to renovations and rejuvenations. It’s come full circle.”
Interior decorating is a dynamic industry and tiles are a product that appear to be growing in popularity. McCluskey has noted the change first hand, and it is one to which his store may well have contributed.
“People are tiling areas that previously would have been carpeted. Once, tiles were just used in bathrooms. Then they started being installed in kitchens and now people are using them on floors and halls all over the house. Dining rooms and sitting rooms are now being tiled and people are getting more used to them. We see it on television, in other people’s homes, and they’re also becoming more affordable. I think we’ve helped the change by supplying tiles at such competitive prices.”
Right Price Tiles in Oranmore is certainly a family affair. Cyril’s wife is also involved in the running of the store, and well-known manager Tony Houlihan has also been overseeing operations for the last 10 years. Cyril is unequivocal about the part the support of the local community has played in the business’s success: “I’d really like to thank the people of Galway, only for them we wouldn’t be here.”
Right Price Tiles is open from 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. For more information or any queries call 091-792972 or log onto www.rightpricetiles.ie
