WATCH Franklin’s Shoe Repair and Key Cutting is celebrating four decades in Limerick City

Franklin’s Shoe Repair and Key Cutting at 27 O’Connell Street has been in business in Limerick City Centre for over 40 years. Pictured here is owner Junior Franklin. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Franklin’s Shoe Repair is celebrating 40 years of healing Limerick soles in their family-run location on O’Connell Street

Franklin’s Shoe Repair is celebrating more than 40 years in Limerick City as a cornerstone and a longstanding success story in the heart of the city centre.

On the city’s main thoroughfare, Franklin’s Shoe Repair has stood the test of time as one of the city centre’s most enduring businesses. With more than 40 years in the city, the family-run store remains a much-loved fixture, a reflection of the family’s dedication to the local community.

Reflecting on the effort it takes to stay in business for four decades, store owner, Junior Franklin told I Love Limerick, “ It’s incredible how the time has gone by and the stories that we have heard through the years, but as you say, it’s a family-run business with my wife Jackie, and my daughter Kate. It’s an extensive shoe repair service we provide here for the people of Limerick from our O’Connell Street store.”

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

Over the years, the store has had its services grow as it adapts to the needs of the people of Limerick. Franklin’s also offers a key cutting service as well as the retail of show care products and gentlemen’s shoe sales.

The decision to begin selling men’s shoes came from customer feedback, showing how the store’s close relationship with its customers has allowed it to provide the services they need.

Junior said, “ It’s from listening to it, customers were coming in, they were handing in repairs, and they were asking advice and when to buy a new shoe, what would I recommend and where to go.”

An expert in his craft, Junior decided to begin stocking the shoe himself, saying, “I researched it and I decided to stock the shoe, and I went for a Spanish brand called Fluchos, which is a fabulous shoe.

“They trade on absolute comfort, and they’re very, very well constructed, and we see a lot of repeat business in them from the gentleman. They are extremely happy with them.”

After 40 years in business, Junior says the secret to success is the bonds made with customers. He said jokingly, “ Some of the stories that stand out, I can’t say!”

He continued, “In general, the public that comes into us is like a family of times here, but we know the vast majority of them on a first-name basis. And we do have a laugh, and we have some fun.

“They talk to us, they share their stories with us as well. It’s like a community, really. And we’re thrilled with it, very happy, and very grateful to them for coming to us. We wouldn’t be in business without them. A sincere thank you to the public of Limerick, to all our customers, as there would be no business without them!”

When asked about his favourite thing about the city, he simply said, “ The people! Really, from what I see down through the decades, getting to know people, very genuine people, and it’s a great city.”