Athlone retail blow as Glitzi Bitz shop to close after 28 years

Another long-established retail unit in the centre of Athlone has confirmed that it will be closing permanently next month.

The Glitzi Bitz fashion and accessories shop on Dublingate Street has been trading in Athlone for the last 28 years and said it was "very sad" that it now had to close due to rising costs and a decrease in takings.

"We opened in 1996 and traded successfully for many years, but the last couple of years have been very difficult with overheads rising significantly and income dropping," Noreen Ryan, Area Manager for Glitzi Bitz, told the Westmeath Independent.

"Our closing down sale started yesterday, March 6, and our scheduled last date of business will be Saturday, April 13.

"We are very grateful to our loyal staff both presently and over the years, and we extend a big thank you to them.

"We have also had many loyal customers and we appreciate their custom. There are many bargains to be had during the sale so don't leave too late to pop in.

"Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir," concluded Noreen.

The Glitzi Bitz Athlone closure next month is the latest in a series of high street closures in the centre of Athlone in recent times.

These have included the closure of the Ulster Bank branch on Mardyke Street last April and the departure of the Corner House Bistro on Dublingate Street in January.

Concannon's Pharmacy on Mardyke Street also moved premises, to a new location on the Ballymahon Road, in recent weeks.