By Diarmaid Doherty
TRIBUTES and messages of good-will have been pouring in from customers following the news that McFadden’s Gift and Home on Letterkenny’s Main Street is to close.
One of the oldest independent businesses in the town – having first opened some 52 years ago – the much-loved shop will close for good this Christmas.
The shop is hosting a closing down sale which started today and news of its closure has prompted messages of support and sadness from many people who frequented the shop over many years.
McFadden’s Gifts and Home is one of Letterkenny’s oldest independent businesses, first opening on Main Street in 1972
The business was first opened in Letterkenny back in 1972 by Raymond and Sheila McFadden, initially selling nursery goods like prams and pushchairs etc – along with its gifts section.
The business evolved over time and for many years, it also sold children’s toys, and along with Toyland at Lower Main Street, McFadden’s enjoyed a busy trade in selling children’s toys and games.
In more recent years, McFadden’s concentrated solely on gifts and furniture and the closure of Meehan’s shop next door saw them purchase that premises and expand their range of products.
The business has always been run by the McFadden family and Raymond and Sheila’s son Joe has been looking after the business for a number of years.
It’s closure next month will mark the end of an era for the McFadden family who have played such an important part in business life in Letterkenny for so long.
