Today we visited the Irish Design Center, run by Tom and Maura. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, taking their time to show us around their shop and share more about Irish culture and Maura’s Irish heritage. Looking at the different artifacts and items they had gave me a deeper understanding of Irish lifestyle and traditions which was very interesting to learn more about.

We also talked about their business and how they’ve transformed the building since taking it over years ago, including how they adapted during challenges like COVID. One of the most important parts of their business model is their focus on community and creating a genuine Irish experience. They offer activities like weaving classes and other arts workshops to bring people into the shop. On top of that, they host public events and have interesting storytelling to keep people engaged and connected.

Something that really stood out, especially with our Carrigart project coming up, was learning that 70% of their sales happen during November and December because of the holidays. This is extremely similar to the challenges Carrigart faces, so their ideas and experiences were very useful to hear. With such a seasonal business cycle, they’ve had to find creative ways to keep people coming in during slower months. Community engagement has been a successful implementation for them, drawing foot traffic even outside the busy season. They’ve done this in many interesting ways such as festivals and introducing Irish snacks to give a more authentic experience and remind Irish immigrants of home. Their emphasis on culture, connection, and hospitality is something I’ve seen across many of the successful businesses we’ve visited during the Haller Program so far, and is something to take into account for our upcoming projects.