They thanked their hundreds of staff and thousands of customers since opening in 1992
Primetime is closing after over 30 years in Cork(Image: GM)
The management of a well-known clothes shop has announced its closure after over three decades on the Cork city high street.
Primetime, a popular streetwear and sports fashion store on Washington Street, will be shutting its doors for the final time later this month. After 34 years in Cork, the shop will be closing on February 28, 2026. In a heartfelt message to customers, management said the decision comes with both “a heavy and full heart.”
Owners Niall and Louisa paid tribute to the hundreds of staff and thousands of customers from across Ireland and the world who have come through the doors since they opened back in 1992. The shop had a strong identity and a cult appreciation among shoppers as one of the longest-standing local stores dedicated to streetwear style, alternative fashion and particularly the skating scene in Cork.
The shop shared a post on social media writing: “We feel so lucky to be an integral part of our city’s culture for story for the last 34 years, but unfortunately nothing lasts forever and what a buzz was had,
A touching message painted on the window at Primetime, Cork
“We have so many things to be thankful for,” the Instagram post continues, “Our staff, wonderful amazing and loyal to the end. The staff have been the back bone of PrimeTime from the start in 1992 all the way to today. More than 300 staff members over the years, each bringing a special piece of magic to this place,
“Our landlord and landlady, without you both we would be long gone. Pure Cork the two of you and part of our family, thank you from the bottom of our hears for supporting us over the years and right to the end,
“Our city, over 800 years for us to get here and after our 34 it’s time for us to vacant, but Cork will stand tall as it always has done. Last but not least, to you our customers, without you it would not have been possible, through the shop floor so many friendships have formed that will last forever,
“From Cork to Donegal and everywhere in between (have to give a special mention to Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, so so many of you came to us and were regular, will miss those beautiful accents and the stories that were told),
“Memories of customers coming in to Primetime at closing time on a Saturday just when you think you’re about to go home, but next thing a customer hears a tune in the shop, mentions a party and you wake up the next day in Galway. Missions had, memories made (well, some forgotten by the time ya wake). Once again, THANK YOU!,” they continued, “You have given us so many memories and friendships, that we hope will last forever. What a ride… Slán. Niall & Louisa.”
Many customers took to the comments section to thank the shop and say goodbye. One shopper wrote: “What a bunch of heroes you all are…. Primetime will live forever.”
Cork DJ Stevie Grainger said: “Guys what can I say. Thanks for everything. Apart from the clothes, your contribution to the music and cultural landscape was and is incredible and will be hard to replace. All the great people who worked there too? Damn. I don’t know what to say. Thanks so much.”
Celtic footballer Saoirse Noonan wrote: “Wow, amazing people who where always so welcoming and supported me since the start of my career. Will always be grateful for you guys and all the primetime crew.”
While a former staff member added: “An absolute honour to work here the last five and a half years. Primetime family forever.”