Anti-social behaviour in Cork remains an issue for retailers

CEO of the Kilkenny Group said Cork needed to be safer for shoppers and workers 

Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Group, at the Cork Chamber Business Breakfast at the Metropole Hotel. Picture: Chani Anderson

Tackling anti-social behaviour in Cork's city centre is one of the key asks to make it more attractive for shoppers, retailer Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of the Kilkenny Group has said.

With 18 stores throughout the country, Ms Moynihan said her company was committed to brick-and-mortar stores while also embracing online sales and digital growth.

"We are committed to bringing people in. We have a brilliant city here in Cork with a lot to offer. Yet we need to do more to drive footfall and increase dwell time," she told the Cork Chamber Business Breakfast event.

My ask is that we continue to invest in better transport and less expensive parking options to make it attractive to visit Cork. The cost of parking is a real issue for shoppers when money is tight.

"We need to tackle the anti-social behaviour activity in our city and make it safer for our colleagues and shoppers as a place to be. I want all our colleagues in local businesses across the city to be safe in their roles and not worried about issues such as theft or anti-social interactions on the shop floor."

She told the audience of business leaders all firms needed to continue to work together to deliver experiences and create events as key reasons to visit the city more often, particularly in the quiet months.

"The Cork City I knew growing up was an exciting and inspirational place. It was safe and enjoyable, with stand-out places to visit to shop and to eat. It was a place to make brilliant memories with family and friends and a place to celebrate key experiences. We need to ensure we have this for our current generation and future generations to come."

The Kilkenny Group, which was founded and is still owned by the O'Gorman family, operates three e-commerce websites. Its headquarters and fulfilment centre is located in Churchfield on Cork's northside.

During the pandemic lockdowns, the company started Champion Green, an initiative to highlight small, local Irish businesses.

Ms Moynihan said they have strong ambitions to amplify their message of Champion Green and of shopping locally.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Ireland and the backbone of Cork," she said.

"For every euro spent with the local economy and with local retailers, it circulates by €2.50 in the local economy. We need you all thinking about where you, your family and friends, spend your euros and please ask them to spend it with small businesses in Cork We don’t want to see any more empty buildings when walking the streets. We want to see them vibrant and busy."