Expansion plan will mark 70th anniversary of Larne business

Irene McGookin, proprietor of Thompson’s Lighting Ltd., said: “I feel quite strongly that we, as a community, redress the balance and put our best foot forward.”

Mrs. McGookin stated that she has supported the “real ‘I love Larne’ campaign via Twitter, Facebook and on the Larne Times blog.

Underlining Thompson’s commitment to Larne town centre, she and her husband Derek have purchased the former First Trust Bank building at Upper Main Street.

Thompson’s is one of Larne’s longest standing independent retailers having been open since 1945.

Derek and Irene McGookin took over the business in December 2012.

After 22 months running the lighting and electrical business, they are planning to move and expand to create Larne’s newest independent store.

The proposed opening of a new outlet on the bank site in spring 2015 will mark Thompson’s 70th year in business.

Keen to listen to local people, Irene is inviting ideas from customers.

If you have any ideas for the new store and what you would like to see on sale in Thompson’s, then drop into the shop and tell Irene.