After almost four decades in business, Frank Coffey has decided to close the doors of his shoe shop located on High Street.

It was not a decision taken lightly; the popular Killarney businessman was contemplating the huge decision for a couple of years however two weeks ago he made the final decision to reluctantly shut up shop.

A popular shop amongst locals, Mr Coffey sold many school shoes to the locals of Killarney, one being Hollywood star Michael Fassbender.

He recalled a moment when his son met Michael Fassbender while was in Cork one day. His son mentioned to the Hollywood actor that his dad owned a shoe shop in Killarney, and Michael Fassbender immediately remembered buying his school shoes from him.

When Mr Coffey announced his shop was closing down on social media, his Facebook post was flooded with tributes from customers past and present. Each comment complimented him, his customer service and the excellent experiences they had in store.

That is the legacy that Mr Coffey has left on the town.

Mr Coffey said his favourite thing about his business was the personal aspect to it. He took great satisfaction in helping and advising customers on what to buy.
He said: “I knew everyone, I knew what was going on in their lives, that is the one thing I will miss most of all. The banter, the craic, the communication.”

Mr. Coffey attributes the decline of small businesses to the rise of online shopping, and while he would never protest the online world, he does believe it is instrumental in the breakdown of small, local businesses.
“We live in a world where the personal touch is gone. You buy your stuff online. It’s abrupt. That’s just life, people have moved on.”

He said that people often don’t consider what they’re buying or where they’re buying it from.
When shoppers choose to purchase items like shoes online, it directly impacts small, retailers.

He believes that the continued closure of local businesses will result in job losses, particularly for college students who rely on part-time work to earn a few bob while studying. “Those opportunities just won’t be there for them,” he said.

He said there are no supports for small businesses from the Government and fears it will be a domino effect. He warned: “I’m one but there will be many.”

He expressed his gratitude to the people of Killarney for always supporting him throughout the past 37 years.

Frank Coffey shoes have 1,000 boots to clear at half price; the shop is set to close in around five weeks time.