A POPULAR family-run business is set to close after seven years as fans say they’re “gutted”.
Finders Keepers on Michael Street in Waterford city is set to close when their lease on the property ends this September.
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The home & gift store first opened its doors in an old butcher shop in the city back in 2017.
Finders Keepers is a family-run business, built from the ground by the owner Lisa Connolly with her husband Luke and her sister Beth.
Lisa revealed she has no energy left and highlighted the challenges with running a small business.
She said: “Running a business is like running an ultra marathon.
“This is what I have learned, the finish line I had been waiting to cross just isn’t coming, and I’m so drained I can’t keep running.”
Lisa also said it’s now a lot harder to run a small business in the current consumer market.
She added: “We have done our best to adapt and change to meet all challenges over the years – but honestly the challenges keep on coming and I’m tired.”
The PwC Barometer published last year shows that 25 out of every 10,000 businesses are failing in Ireland, a 79 per cent increase from 2021.
The popular home & gift store will continue to sell their fan-favourite products for the next few months, and there is no plans in place for a sale ahead of their decision to close the doors.
Lisa said she is grateful for the community in Waterford and all the support the store has received over the past few years.
She said: “We love the community that we have built through Finders Keepers and are so grateful for each and every connection made.
“I’m brimming with pride with what we achieved – I do think we left our mark.”
Fans of the the popular store have taken to Facebook to show their support.
One person wrote: “I’d always pop by every time I was in Waterford, I’m gutted you’re going.”
Another said: “Such a lovely store, there is far too many places closing these days it’s terrible.”
Meanwhile, an iconic Irish pub in New York has confirmed it is set to close after 57 years in business.
The Neary family confirmed the closure to staff at the pub before penning a letter to customers informing them of the closure.
Located in Manhattan’s East Side the pub first opened their doors on St Patrick’s Day in 1967.
It was ran by Sligo man Jimmy Neary who moved to New York with his wife Eileen, who was from Dublin, and opened the pub with partner Brian Mulligan.
Eileen passed away in 2007 while Jimmy passed away in 2021.
The publican even had a street named after him following his death, with 57th Street named Jimmy Neary Way in 2022.
The pub stayed in the Neary family after Jimmy’s passing and his children confirmed this week that the pub would close it doors for the final time today.
In a letter to their regular customers they said: “After an incredible 57-year run, Neary’s will bid farewell on Friday, July 19th.
“With heartfelt appreciation and love, we look back on Neary’s remarkable journey on 57th Street (now Jimmy Neary Way!).
“It all began on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1967, when our beloved father, Jimmy Neary, and his partner, Brian Mulligan, first opened Neary’s doors. From the outset, our father recognised Sutton Place as the perfect location and his instincts proved absolutely correct.
“Over the years, Neary’s has been blessed to welcome patrons from all walks of life—our cherished Sutton Place community, esteemed politicians, religious leaders, television personalities, renowned authors and photographers, sports legends, business leaders, and our dedicated law enforcement and military personnel.
Our father’s infectious smile, captivating Irish charm, and heartfelt stories, coupled with his deep love of country, faith, and family defined his character.
“He adored his restaurant and cherished every customer, making sure everyone felt like family, whether a longtime regular or a first-time visitor.”
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