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Business owner forced to relocate following Primark fire tells of relief to 'finally get up and running again'

Kathleen McGovern of Abacus Beads. Picture by Mal McCann
Kathleen McGovern of Abacus Beads. Picture by Mal McCann Kathleen McGovern of Abacus Beads. Picture by Mal McCann

A BUSINESS owner forced to relocate her Belfast city centre shop following the Primark fire has told of her relief to "finally get up and running again".

Kathleen McGovern has moved her arts and craft shop, Abacus Beads, to Queen's Arcade, just off Donegall Place.

Speaking after the store was officially launched on Monday, Ms McGovern said while it had been a "daunting task, having to start from scratch again", she was delighted to re-open.

The shopkeeper has been unable to open her popular craft store on Castle Street, as it lies just yards from the Bank Buildings site where the devastating fire ripped through the Primark store in August.

She is among several traders who have been forced to remain closed following the blaze as her shop lies within the safety cordon following the blaze.

Read more: 

  • Primark to reopen in Belfast city centre on December 8 with plans for a second store
  • Trader forced to relocate following Primark fire thanks major retailer who 'reached out to help'

But now 10 weeks after the fire, Ms McGovern has re-opened at alternative premises in Queen's Arcade, after being helped in her search for a new store by Lunn's Jewellers, who own the shopping mall.

Speaking yesterday following a successful first two days of trading, Ms McGovern said it was "great to be back in business", especially being greeted by some familiar faces on the opening day.

"I have had a good few regular customers in already, which has been lovely," she said.

"It's great to finally get up and running again, to get back to a bit of normality.

"Queen's Arcade is a lovely spot and I have been made to feel very welcome.

"I have to say it has been a hard few months, without the support of my customers and people wanting to see me re-open, I would have thrown in the towel.

"I'm so grateful to have such loyal customers, good friends and supportive family who have helped me get over the numerous hurdles of the past 10 weeks.

"It was a daunting task, having to start from scratch again, but it's great to be back in business."

Ms McGovern, who has owned her business for 27 years, said the move to Queen's Arcade was "temporary" and she hopes to return to her Castle Street premises next year.

"Hopefully I get back in around April time, but I know that will be another mountain to climb," she said.

"I want to get back in there and see what stock is salvageable, I don't know what I am going to face when I finally get in there. But for now, I can relax and breathe again."

Read more: 

  • Primark to reopen in Belfast city centre on December 8 with plans for a second store
  • Trader forced to relocate following Primark fire thanks major retailer who 'reached out to help'