Hanley & Co menswear store on Galway’s Williamsgate Street is a business that has embraced the idea of shopping as theatre. In December, Cavan band The Strypes played an in-store gig, the first of a series of events with the emphasis on sport and music that is due to continue througout 2015. Established by Joe Hanley in 1968, the second generation business is run by his son Aidan who operates the day-to-day affairs of the family’s three shops, with a second branch in the Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road and The Outlet, a denim shop around the corner on Rosemary Avenue.
In a crowded market, it is the attentive service here that’s attracted actors Martin Sheen and Emmet Bergin, the Connaught rugby team, Hector Ó hEochagáin and former Arsenal defender and sports columnist Martin Keown, some of the shop’s celebrity fans.
The sales staff know just when to ask, “Can I give ye a hand or are you okay?” It doesn’t feel hurried or sound insincere. The high-fashion offer is the other reason to cross the threshold. For spring, the shop will stock Calvin Klein, a first for Galway, and will be adding Italian label Replay, Gant Rugger and New Balance trainers to a mix that includes Hilfiger, Scotch and Soda, Eden Park and CR7 underwear, as well as several Irish brands. Over Christmas, a month during which the average spend per person was €93, the shop sold out of Tommy Bowe’s label XV Kings. The new collection is due in a few weeks.
The store promotes itself through social media, including a very coherent blog that should be recommended reading for all independent boutiques for its tone, attention to detail, celebrity hooks and lack of superlatives. It is written by Miriam Keegan, of Emo Goes To Fashion Week fame, and Ray O'Neill. See hanley.ie
While in Galway also check out:
Les Jumelles, now located at 2-3 Church Lane, where the high fashion stock includes Rick Owens, Moncler, Preen, Acne and Helmut Lang. Lesjumelles.ie
Cloon Keen perfumerie is moving from its tiny premises in Kirwan Lane to a similarly small but more visible space on High Street, opening mid-March. The limed wood interior houses candles, diffusers and unctions that will make you rethink fragrancing your home. Buy the black glass bottled lavender soap, €17.95, to show off in your guest WC. See cloonkeen.com
Don't leave Galway before crossing the threshold of Yes Flowers, 13 Upper Cross Street, and inhaling the new season fragrances wafting from bunches of fresh hyacinth, five stems for €8. See yesflowers.ie
The Gourmet Tart Company on Abbeygate Street serves delicious takeaway sandwiches and pies to eat on the hoof. See gourmettartco.com