MOURNE Antiques on the Main Street in Letterkenny is celebrating 25 years in business.
Owner Frances Spears took over the store from her mother in 1989 when it was located in Strabane and she then moved the store to Letterkenny three years later.
Frances said the key to her success is having “quality” items and having an eye for beautiful things.
Jewellery is the store’s main seller and over the years by word of mouth Frances’ reputation for quality jewellery has spread.
Having unusual pieces as well sourcing things for customers interested in interior design gives Mourne Antiques an edge over others in the business.
Items associated with local history is another huge part of the Antiques business.
To celebrate her 25th anniversary Frances had a Christmas themed party on Thursday, November 23rd in the store.
A special anniversary cake was made by a local baker and there were mince pies and wine for the guests.
Frances took a gamble in 2010 opening a second business in Letterkenny called Amelia’s, Irish Design and Gifts.
The gamble paid off as the store, which specialises in Irish Contemporary Crafts, is doing very well.
Frances has also taken another step forward recently by taking on another jeweller for her Antiques store.
After CT Ball Jewellers closed down Frances employed experienced jeweller Keith Stevenson who had been working at CT Ball’s for 17 years.
Frances sees this as an expansion of her successful business which continues to grow.
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