Donaghys continues to put best foot forward

This year the store took the top prize of Best Retailer at the Leader Business Awards, following a win from their outlet store, Shoefair, last year.

The family-run businesswas opened by Peter and Eileen DOnaghy 81 Newry Street 52 years ago and, following two expansions and relocations, they found their present home at 25-31 Newry Street.

Donaghy’s has always prided itself on being a family business and Peter and Eileen were delighted when first their daughter Anne joined to develop Shoefair to offer up to date fashion at affordable prices.

Anne saw a gap in Banbridge for a sports store and opened Shoefair sports where one could find the best sports, leisure clothing and footwear by all the main brands.

In 1988 their son Michael joined the business and they expanded to Lisburn, Portadown and Lurgan with their Michael Phillips shoe shops.

Donaghy’s opened a Shoefair shop in Lisburn and in 2007 opened a clearance shop, Shoefair at the outlet was the only local independent retailer at the factory clearance centre.

Donaghy’s prides itself on the fact that it’s a family run business that has built up a reputation of service and continues to look at ways to enhance the customers experience with its first shoe club being the latest development in a business that’s looking to the next fifty years

Speaking following their award win, staff members Anne McVeigh, Yvonne Jackson and Sheila Barry said the store’s long-standing presence in the town has helped especially in the currently tough economic climate.

“There was some great competition for this award- we weren’t expecting it at all. We’re all very committed to what we do, we’re passionate and dedicated. “We have our website too, we’re moving the business on in the current climate. We have a lot of business from outside the area too - people who come specifically to us.”

The staff said they are delighted to be so involved with the local community.

“People support us so we try to give that support back through sponsorship and other things. We’re pleased to be sponsors of the next Sports Awards and the Bann 10k and we try and support as much as we can.”