PHOTOS Michael Gleeson Shoes Celebrates 40 years of service to Limerick

Michael Gleeson shoes on William Street Limerick celebrated 40 years in business on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Michael Gleeson pictured with staff inside their William Street Store. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Michael Gleeson Shoes is celebrating 40 years as a beloved family-run retailer and cornerstone of the Limerick community

Since opening its doors on William Street in 1985, Michael Gleeson Shoes has become Limerick City’s leading provider for men’s, ladies’, and children’s footwear known for their excellent customer service and expertly fitted shoes.

Founded by Michael Gleeson, the store has been a staple in the heart of Limerick City for four decades, providing footwear for a number of generations of Limerick families. Today, Michael’s daughter, Dervla Gleeson, carries on the family legacy as she reflected on the business’ journey at their anniversary celebration on Saturday, March 1.

Dervla told I Love Limerick, “We are absolutely delighted to be here today to celebrate our 40 year anniversary. Uh, this day, the 1st of March, 1985, my dad opened this business. Um, at the time there were men’s, ladies and children’s shoes in the one shoe shop. And now we have branched into two stores beside each other.”

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

The success of Michael Gleeson Shoes comes through decades of hard work and dedication, but above all is the customer service which Dervla explained the family have built on strong relationships with loyal customers who have supported the local business for years.

“We value our success from the loyal customers that we have coming into us for years. These customers are not only customers to us, but they’ve become friends down the years, who often pop in just for a chat, and we love to see them coming in,”  Dervla added.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere which Michael Gleeson Shoes has become known for is from the company ethos, but also the dedicated staff, Dervla explained, “Probably one of the secrets to our success is the fantastic staff that we have had. Many of our staff have stayed with us for years and the staff that we have at the moment are all with us a long, long time, and we hope they’ll stay with us for a long time more.”

Every staff member is a fully trained shoe fitter, ensuring that customers walk away in style and comfort with the perfect pair of shoes. The store also offers specialized medical footwear recommended by an in-store chiropodist, catering to customers with specific foot care needs.

Taking over the reins, Dervla remembers where the company came from under the guidance of her father, but also has high hopes for the future of Michael Gleeson Shoes.

Dervla told I Love Limerick, “I have a great mentor in my dad who has taught me the business and I hope to be here for another 40 years. Maybe I’m teaching these, um, traits of what he has taught me to keep in business and teaching these to my children. So we hope to be here in Limerick with you for many more years to come.”

With a strong foundation built in the community of Limerick, bringing their expertise and care for customers, Michael Gleeson Shoes remains as part of Limerick’s fabric, celebrating an incredible milestone the family-run business extended their gratitude to the generations of customers who have stepped through their doors and shown them support.

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick