Back in July, when Dublin institution Clery's department store suffered such terrible storm damage that the roof literally fell in, we all decided that was it for Clery's. "It's done" we all declared with sad faces, "it'll never reopen".
Well, we were wrong and I'm delighted. They've sluiced out those forty thousand gallons of rain and it's good as new!
The damage to our beloved Clery's might actually have been a bit of a blessing. It was a place we all felt fond of, but few of us actually shopped there. It had a drab, slow feeling that made me prefer shopping in stores with a bit more of a contemporary edge, a bit more 'oomph'.
The gang at Clery's have worked since July to deliver that oomph, and by golly, they have. Last night, the store opened its doors to the press and all those who had been involved in resurrecting the Grand Dame of Dublin trade. We were treated to a fashion show featuring some of the new brands and products that Clery's have brought in. And some of the Christmas-inspired fashions were absolutely beautiful!
Advertised
I escaped downstairs afterwards to find the beauty hall (it's where you'll always find me). I had a little mooch around to see if they had revamped what had been, in my opinion, Dublin's drabbest cosmetic emporium. THEY HAVE.
All the old favourite brands like Clarins and Benefit are there, but now there are nail and eye bars which stock some more elusive brands like Nyx, Korres and REN.
Overall, I'm very impressed. It's Clery's with all the old character, but none of the outdated 'naf' factor. I'll head in for a browse when I'm passing, and hopefully you will too. It opens today - so head in and show your support for this historic Dublin store!
Do you have a soft spot for Clery's? Are you glad it's been refurbished or do you think it should have been left in peace?
