The hugely popular shop will close its doors for the final time next month after almost 40 years in business
The beloved shop on Dublin’s Mary Street will close its doors for the final time on June 6
Dubliners have said that ‘a little bit of beauty [has] gone from our city’ after an iconic shop announced it will close its doors for the final time after almost 40 years in business.
Mr Middleton garden shop, located on Mary Street in Dublin city centre, has long been a mecca for gardeners, selling seed varieties by the thousands and stocking in season over 2,000 varieties of flower bulbs from around the world as well as good garden tools and equipment.
Following their first national mail order campaign in 1986, the 100% Irish family owned business opened their South Anne Street shop followed by the store on Mary Street.
But in a major blow for greenfingered Dubliners, Mr Middleton’s has announced that they are set to close their Mary Street shop for good in a bid to focus on the future of their mail order business.
The owners said the decision has been made partly in response to the change to shopping habits brought on by the recent Covid-19 epidemic, although they confirmed that Mr Middleton has no plans to retire and will continue to personally manage and run the business.
The shop announced the sad news in a Facebook message this week, writing: “After almost 40 years in the heart of the city, we have made the difficult decision to close our city centre shop and focus fully on the future of our mail order business.
“While this is a very emotional moment for us, it’s also the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Mr Middleton. We are moving to a brand new warehouse and undertaking a major expansion – including growing more of our own plants and bulbs, alongside an even wider and more exciting range for gardeners everywhere.
“The city has changed greatly since Covid and today the majority of our customers shop online. Although we are sad to close the doors of the shop , we are incredibly grateful for the loyalty, kindness , and support you have shown over the years decades. Many of you have been part of the Mr Middleton story for generations and we cannot thank you enough.”
Mr Middelton’s on Mary Street
The message continued: “Mr Middleton is not retiring and will continue to personally manage and run the business he proudly established in 1974. The Passion for gardening that started it all remains stronger than ever.
“This is not goodbye – it is a new beginning. Thank you for being part of the journey and we look forward to forward to growing with you for many more years to come.”
Mr Middleton’s will shop its Mary Street store for the final time on June 6, with the legendary store owner thanking his customers for their loyal service over the years.
“After almost 40 years it is time for us to leave the city,” he said in a video shared on Facebook. “The city is no longer what it once was and it is time for us to move on. It’s sad but we are so excited for the opportunity for the future.
“Thank you so much for supporting us over the years, it has truly been a great experience to have you as customers and we hope you will come with us as we continue the journey.”
The post was met with an outpouring of support form devastated customers who mourned the loss of the iconic Dublin city centre shop.
One person said: “An institution on Mary Street, you will be sadly missed. Best of luck with the new endeavors, our city is not what it used to be, but unfortunately time moves on. Keep up the good work.”
Another person added: So sad that you are leaving Dublin City. So many times we brought the children into your shop to let them pick spring bulbs.. We will miss doing that.”
While a third person simply said: “A little bit of beauty gone from our city.”
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