Providing quality menswear in Athlone for 55 years
Established in 1971, John Francis Waldron menswear on Northgate Street is celebrating 55 years of providing top-quality menswear at reasonable prices to the people of Athlone and beyond.
Having developed a strong connection with his loyal customer base, John Francis Waldron continues to offer customers 100 per cent satisfaction and he looks forward to serving the town for many more years to come.
His association with the industry goes way back, starting with a role at the late Seamus O'Brien's The Man's Shop, in 1961, where he started out "mopping the floors every morning" during a three-year apprenticeship.
"I gradually worked my way up to looking after customers and measuring when required," John recalled. He pointed to the influence of his mother, who was "always patching up skirts and knitting".
After his apprenticeship, John bought a sewing machine and took on greater responsibilities at 'The Man's Shop' and he recalls the 60s and 70s as particularly "vibrant" eras for Athlone, both socially and in terms of local business.
After ten years in 'The Man's Shop', John took a leap of faith and opened his own business.
"I decided to give it a go and, well, here I still am!" he laughed. "I have lots of loyal customers and I thank all my customers who have come in the past, and look forward to many more years in business.
"I know a lot of things have gone online these days, but I am very much a hands-on person who likes to look after the needs of my customers. If I don't have what they want, I always do my very best to locate it for them and have it in the shop as quickly as possible.
"People ask me 'are you still working?' or 'when are you retiring?' but I haven't even thought about that, to be honest. I really enjoy what I do, otherwise I wouldn't still be here."
John also said he is "very proud" to be one of the longest serving individual businesses in the locality, saying the quality service offered at the shop has ensured the business been able to overcome hurdles such as the pandemic and the one-way traffic system through the town.
Originally from The Villas in Athlone – only a short walk from his premises in Northgate Street – John is always on-hand at the shop to offer warm, welcoming and educated advice to his customers.
"I have always operated in that way and will continue to do so. I must be doing something right to still have so many customers coming back to me on a regular basis," he said.
* For all your formal wear and high quality tailoring service, visit John Francis Waldron Menswear, where his reputation is your guarantee of satisfaction. Contact the shop at: 09064 74013.