Launderette to clean up in Lidl retail park
By Maurice Garvey
THE retail mix at Lidl HQ on Main Road has a fresh new addition with the arrival of a family-owned launderette.
Rathfarnham man Peter Kennedy opened the Professional Dry Cleaning Laundry and Ironing Company in Lidl’s retail park on August 7.
Antoaneta (supervisor), Peter (owner) and Jackie (manager)
It is the fourth such launderette under the care of Mr. Kennedy, who has over 30 years experience in the industry.
His three daughters Yvette, Leanne and Alanah run launderettes in Firhouse, Ballybrack and Stillorgan, and expanding to a new outlet in Tallaght was all about finding the right location, according to Mr. Kennedy.
“Lidl was a big draw. I know there are other dry cleaners in the area, but it was due to the fact that the location has numerous car parking spaces and allows for an easy drop-off and pick-up point,” he said.
“The Tallaght store employs two people fulltime and myself, but I’d be hoping to employ local people down the line, once it is established.”
Initially the plan was to open the Tallaght store in May, but there were a few operational details that needed to be ironed out before this could happen.
Mr Kennedy continued: “We had to put in a complete fit-out. All our equipment is ultra- modern. There is a vast amount of equipment, all brand new, which needed to be installed. It took a few weekends in a row behind the scenes for us to open after the bank holiday.”
A key factor for customers is that all their dry cleaning and ironing services are catered for in-store and on the same day at the Tallaght premises.
“It is early days but the feedback has been positive,” he said.
“We have been getting a lot of people from Bancroft, and a lot of office workers wanting suits pressed. The store is open late until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays to catch the late night shopper.
“We also specialise in wedding dresses. It is mostly after the wedding, they can be in a bit of a state. Some buy the dresses second-hand and want it tidied up before the big day. We’ll also be running a few special offers, customers can ask in-store for details.”
Professional Dry Cleaning Laundry and Ironing Company is open seven days a week, Monday to Wednesday 9am-7pm, Thursday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 1pm-6pm.
