Boutique owner to pursue other interests

The proprietor of Jasmine says that she has been overwhelmed by people’s response since she announced its closure last week.

Caroline Hynes is closing the popular Mullingar boutique later this month after 25 years in business. Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Ms Hynes said that while the shop is “flourishing”, she has decided to close it as she wants to pursue other interests, as well as take a well earned break.

“I went to a business coach to talk about expanding the business and in the process realised after doing assessments that there were other things that I could be good at.”

Ms Hynes said that one expansion option was to grow Jasmine’s online offering, but it was not something that excited her. “I don’t really enjoy online. Retail is a personal business. When I opened the shop, the euro hadn’t been launched.

"Retail is one of the oldest professions, and while it has changed so much, I do believe that it will make a comeback. People are getting sick of having so much screen time. I am passionate about the community side of retail. People need human interaction.

“There has been a huge outpouring of goodwill and it’s been humbling. It’s sad, but good things have to come to an end, but there will be something new.

“We have had so much fun, laughter and shared experiences over the years. I love local. When you go into a small retailer, they understand their business and their products. They are so much more professional at the what they do.”

Jasmine is currently running a closing down sale and Ms Hynes expects that the business will stop trading in mid-September, depending on stock levels.

She says that it is important that communities support their local retailers and other small businesses. “There is nothing like that personal touch. Small businesses help keep communities alive.”