'What a legacy': Cork people react to closure of iconic streetwear shop after 34 years

After 34 years on Washington Street in Cork city, Primetime will close its doors for the final time on February 28

Primetime will close its doors for the final time on February 28.

Cork is grieving a loss this week, as the owners of iconic city-centre streetwear shop Primetime announced its closure.

After 34 years on Washington Street in Cork city, the shop will close its doors for the final time on February 28.

Announcing the news on social media on Monday, store owners Louisa Heckett and Niall Hassett said that it was with “a heavy and full heart” that they were calling it a day.

“We feel so lucky to be an integral part of our city’s culture and story for the last 34 years, but unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and what a buzz was had,” the statement shared to Instagram read.

“We have so many things to be thankful for… our staff, wonderful amazing and loyal to the end. The staff have been the backbone of PrimeTime from the start in 1992 all the way to today. More than 300 staff members over the years, each bringing a special piece of magic to this place.” 

Heckett and Hassett gave a special mention to their landlord and landlady, without whom they said the shop would “be long gone”.

“Pure Cork, the two of you and part of our family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us over the years and right to the end,” they said.

The pair also thanked their customers, saying: “To you, our customers. Without you it would not have been possible, through the shop floor so many friendships have formed that will last forever.

From Cork to Donegal and everywhere in between (have to give a special mention to Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, so, so many of you came to us and were regular, will miss those beautiful accents and the stories that were told.

“Memories of customers coming in to Primetme at closing time on a Saturday, just when you think you’re about to go home, but next thing a customer hears a tune in a shop, mentions a party and you wake up the next day in Galway, missions had, memories made (well some forgotten by the time ya wake).” 

Acknowledging the memories and friendships that Primetime has given them over the years, they concluded: “What a ride, Slán.” 

The announcement attracted a lot of well-wishes and comments full of nostalgia for the shop, which has stood on Washington Street since 1992.

Producer, a DJ, and a youth worker Stevie Grainger thanked both Heckett and Hassett for being the backbone of the Cork music, arts, fashion, graf, skate, breaking and cultural scene “since before many here were born”.

“What a legacy,” he said on Instagram.

“Been supporting me personally since I was literally a kid too, one of the things that really struck me lately.” 

Grainger went on to acknowledge how Primetime always helped artists with music videos, photo shoots, and everything in between.

“Always a step ahead of the game and pushing streetwear when it wasn't fashionable at all in the mainstream. Always supporting great causes. What we wear is important to us, but how we treat the underdogs and marginalised is more important again,” he said.

“Also importantly, you always had and have the soundest people behind the counter and behind the scenes. The great nights. Giles Peterson, Scruff, Norman Jay and a million other great local acts. I will write something proper soon, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you all, past and present. And here's to the future.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Irish Examiner (@irish_examiner)

London-based Irish artist Conor Harrington said there aren’t enough words to explain the impact Primetime has had on the city as a whole.

“You guys supported me from the age of 17/18, I held cash in my hands that I earned from painting for the first time and you gave me the belief that maybe this is something I can spend my life doing,” he said.

“Your contribution to all aspects of the creative scene in Cork over 34 years would need a Netflix series to recount in full, from the DJs to skaters to graf writers and fashion kids. I'm gutted to hear the news, but honoured to have been welcomed and nurtured by the Prime Time community.” 

“Big thanks to Prime Time for being more than a shop - a true meeting point for creativity, fashion, and music. I arrived in Cork City in 2005 and had the chance to work there, meet amazing people, and be part of something special. I'm still friends with so many from that circle. Sad to see it closing, but the memories and the people will always stay,” another user wrote.

“What a bunch of heroes you all are… Primetime will live forever,” another wrote.

Heckett and Hassett said the store will remain open until February 28 and said they would love to see everyone in-store before then.