McElhinneys, 50 Years Steeped in History
From fires to floods, the legacy of McElhinneys lives on
McElhinneys is delighted to celebrate 50 years in business, the 4th of May 2021 marking the official 50th birthday date of the opening of McElhinneys Department Store in 1971.
“Stickability is really what I tell people, you’ve just got to stick at it and believe in yourself and believe in what you’re doing.” – John speaking about McElhinneys on Episode 1 of the McElhinneys Podcast ‘From Fires to Floods’ available on Spotify
McElhinneys is a multi-award-winning retail destination, based in Ballybofey, Co Donegal and is a one-stop shop, with fashion, beauty, homeware, accessories, lingerie and bridal – all under one roof. After an unforgettable past year, the team in McElhinneys are delighted to reach the 4th of May, which officially marks 50 years since John McElhinney first opened the doors of McElhinneys in Ballybofey.
‘Giving up was never an option. Failure was not an option. There is always that fear of failure, and that was always there and is there today… it never leaves you. But at the same time, you cannot give up. You cannot give up, no matter how bad things get. You’ve just got to keep going.’ – John speaking about his business philosophies on Episode 1 of the McElhinneys Podcast ‘From Fires to Floods’ available on Spotify
To celebrate this occasion, we sat down for a personal conversation with John to find out more about his 50 year journey, which began back in 1971 selling from his Dodge van, to where we are today, a 100,000+ square foot retail store in Co. Donegal. From fires to floods John talks us through the moments that have shaped the past and defined the future and legacy of McElhinneys.
Listen to the Podcast here
As one of the few remaining independent, family-run department stores in Ireland, and indeed Europe, the consistent factor of McElhinneys success throughout the years has been the drive, ambition, and initiative of John McElhinney. Despite the hardships over the years, John has created a destination store in the heart of North West of Ireland, Donegal, the coolest place on the planet.
‘No matter what things are, or how good people think it, there is always room for improvement. And I think that is what it’s all about – trying all the time to make it better. That would be my thinking on the matter.’ – John speaking about his desire to always be better and keep moving forward on Episode 1 of the McElhinneys Podcast ‘From Fires to Floods’ available on Spotify
McElhinneys wishes to thank everyone for their continued support and friendship over the past 50 years in business, and can not wait to reopen and welcome you all in store again soon.
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- Niamh x
Visit us online: www.mcelhinneys.com
