Easons Clock is now the Flannels Clock as high

Jun 25, 2023

The final fit-out is taking place on Patrick Street

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Cork's fashionistas will be excited to hear that the new Flannels store on Patrick Street is almost ready to open its doors - and they could be shopping the autumn-winter ranges for the likes of Burberry, Off-White, and Balenciaga.

The huge renovation and re-fit job on the former Eason's Store on Pana is nearing completion, with the signage going up this week, including a change for the familiar clock over the main door.

The old clock, carrying the name of the well-known horologists Stokes of MacCurtain Street, has been repaired and had the Flannels name installed on a brass plate where it used to read 'Easons'.

The signage over the door has also been changed and a large team of specialist shop-fitters are working behind the scenes to get the store ready for it's opening, expected in October (but definitely in time for the Christmas rush).

Flannels is the high-fashion chain of the Frasers Group, owned by UK clothing empire boss Mike Ashley (the founder of the Sports Direct chain and former Newcastle United owner).

They are opening three stores in Ireland, in the former Clerys Department store on O’Connell Street, Dublin, in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and here in Cork on Patrick Street.

As well as major brands aimed at a young, fashion-conscious crowd, the stores will also feature a style-and-collect service, brand activations, a Flannels Beauty concept, and pop-ups, including food and drink offerings like seafood and champagne bars.

With the recent sale of the former Debenhams/Roches Stores - across the street from the new Flannels - to a major retail chain that includes Elverys Sports - the long-awaited regeneration of Cork's main street as a destination shopping street is gathering pace.

Easons are still trading - they have moved to the newly refurbished, former Victoria Hotel building in the middle of Pana, which is also due to get a high-end retailer on the second and third floors in the coming months.