Look for Local – Shop hiking, camping and outdoors at Radar Stores
Pictured are Joe McKinney and Mayor of Limerick City and County Daniel Butler pictured outside Radar Stores on Foxes Bow. Picture: Farhan Saaed/ilovelimerick
A new campaign run by I Love Limerick in conjunction with LEO Limerick asks Limerick consumers to look for local when shopping for products, services and experiences.
Radar Stores is a hiking, camping and outdoors store on Foxes Bow in Limerick City, which has been serving the people of Limerick for an impressive 40 years.
Originally an army store, the business was opened by Ray McKinney in 1981. His son Joe worked in the shop throughout his childhood and eventually took the reins in 1991.
Since then, Radar stores has ventured into hiking and outdoor gear as demands have changed over the years.
“My dad Ray started the business as an army shop,” owner Joe McKinney tells I Love Limerick.
“That’s what was in demand at the time, army tents and army sleeping bags. As the times changed, we moved more into hiking and backpacking, then again into more modern hiking gear. The shop’s purpose has definitely changed over the years.”
The Limerick staple stocks everything needed to adventure safely and properly, from hiking boots and shoes to rainwear, flasks and sleeping bags.
Joe believes that despite the rise of online shopping, outdoors wear and hiking equipment will always be a face-to-face area of retail.
“In our line of business, people want to see the product, try the product or they want information on the product. Outdoors is still, to some degree, an in-store area of business,” he explains.
For those unable to visit the shop on Foxes Bow, the business also has a website that stocks many items available in-store.
Karen Griffin from Raheen has worked in the store since Joe’s dad Ray was in charge.
“I started with Joe’s dad all those years ago. He was such a fantastic person to work for,” reflects Karen.
“I really enjoy the outdoors, and there’s nothing better than doing something for a living that you get a kick out of. Every day I enjoy myself and meet loads of different people.”
Karen and Joe both agree that Foxes Bow is a special community to be a part of.
“There’s always someone to turn to because we are all family businesses,” Karen acknowledges.
“Everybody is friendly, everyone knows each other, we’re like a little family,” adds Joe.
Pictured is employee of 33 years Karen Griffin at Radar Stores. Picture: Farhan Saaed/ilovelimerick
“Foxes bow and Radar Stores are unique in that customers will buy something and then come back in and tell us how they got on with it, or how their weekend was. It’s great.”
The McKinney’s recently welcomed the third generation of Radar Stores with Joe and wife Sharleen’s son Kai.
“I started working here as a child and eventually took over fully. Now the store will be ready for the next generation!” laughs Joe.
Speaking outside the store, Mayor of Limerick City and County Daniel Butler urges shoppers to pop in and have a look.
“Many of us in Limerick would be familiar with Radar Stores. If you’re looking for great outdoors advice and expertise, come to Radar, you’ll be looked after. And most importantly, you’ll be supporting local businesses and local families.”
For all your hiking, camping, and outdoor needs visit Radar Stores at 7 Foxes Bow, Limerick City or shop online HERE
For more News go HERE
#LookforLocalLimerick #LookforLocal #ShopLimerick
About Leo Limerick:
Limerick Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is a first stop shop to provide support and services to help start, grow and develop micro and small businesses. LEO Limerick offers a range of support for local businesses including training, trading online vouchers, financial support, mentoring and business advice. Limerick LEO provides a range of services directly to the small and microenterprise sector as well as helping to create a beneficial environment in which the sector can flourish. For more info go HERE
