Cork Corner Shops: Vital Community Hubs – Local Business Guide
Cork Deli Owner Warns Small Businesses Face extinction Amid Rising Costs
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mazhar Hasan, owner of Happy Days Deli in Cork city center, fears a wave of closures for autonomous retailers as rising costs and competition from larger supermarkets threaten their survival. His story offers a stark warning about the future of Ireland‘s corner shops and the vital role they play in local communities.
The Appeal of the Local Deli: Convenience and Community
Located on Leitrim Street, Happy days Deli has become a neighbourhood staple, relying primarily on local customers. Hasan explains the deli’s enduring appeal lies in its convenience. “The thing is that when people want something, they won’t go to the big places,” he says. “At some part of the day the supermarkets are very busy. So, to avoid the queue and save time, they come to us to get it.”
Operating with just himself and his wife, Happy days Deli provides a personal touch often missing from larger retail environments. This close-knit operation allows them to cater specifically to the needs of the surrounding community. Hasan focuses on “very small and very local stuff,” serving a loyal customer base who appreciate the curated selection and quick service.He intentionally keeps stock levels tight, offering “very particular things, so people can come in, take it and move on.”
While acknowledging the shift towards online shopping, Hasan decided against pursuing an online presence, recognizing the limitations of his business model. “We thought about that. But the only thing is that we do not have that wide a range,” he explained. He’s successfully maintained a viable business by focusing on what he does best: serving his immediate neighbourhood.
However, the current economic climate presents a important challenge. Hasan highlights the increasing cost of living, which is forcing customers to tighten their belts.”Things are getting very expensive. So, I think you are losing some customers of some part of the day as of course people have to save money.”
A Bleak Outlook for Small Businesses
hasan paints a worrying picture for the future of small businesses in city centres. “Things are getting very tight for small businesses. Many small places are wiped out.What I am thinking is in the next couple of years is just the big shops will be left, and all the small fishes will be wiped out to be honest.”
He is seriously considering closing Happy Days deli and returning to employment, admitting the business is currently sustained only by his and his wife’s labor. “I am hanging on becuase it is just me and my wife working here. I am not paying anyone wages.” The prospect of needing to pay an additional wage, he fears, would be the final blow. “If I was to pay another wage packet, I fears I would be ‘history’ as I am now working seven days a week to run the business.”
The Importance of the Corner Shop
Despite the challenges, hasan’s story underscores the crucial role corner shops play in Irish society.They provide convenience, foster community connections, and offer a personalized shopping experience. The hope remains that these local businesses can continue to thrive, but as Hasan’s experience demonstrates, they require support and understanding in the face of increasingly tough economic conditions. Without intervention, the vibrant tapestry of Ireland’s high streets risks being replaced by a homogenous landscape of large chains.
[Image of Mazhar Hasan of Happy Days Deli – ShopPicture: Eddie O’Hare]