​Next Generation Wards Leads Fashion in Main Street, Ballinasloe

Always welcome! Left to right: Kyle, Michael, Aoife, Oisin, Joe, Katie, Nathan, Dara, Clodagh

Joe Ward Menswear held its official opening after a refurbishment just in time for the Christmas rush. After 45 years success in his clothing and footwear business on Main Street, Michael Ward planned to pass the business to the second generation, his eldest son Joe, in 2020. As the pandemic took hold,  Joe did take over the day to day running of the shop but it was merely to stay afloat and weather the storm, with all retail closed and footfall reduced for the rest of the year. It was the ideal time to finally get the shop operating online with nationwide delivery, Joe also introduced ‘Click and Collect’ and maintained local deliveries during the lockdowns, which were both gratefully received by customers.
 
The Official Opening of the newly refurbished store was on October 29th, when  Joe has finally reached the end of a checklist of changes and improvements he wanted to make . With the benefit of Galway County Council's Streetscape Enhancement Scheme, he received a grant to help with the cost of repainting the building and replacement of the shop front by a restoration specialist, which had served his father so well for 30 years.

Back in the day!

Owner Joe has upgraded all the interior and exterior lights to energy efficient LED lights, added new signage and branding to reflect the new name, as well as a complete refit of the dedicated suits and wedding sections which are located on the first floor. He has sourced as many supplies and trades for the works done as possible in town, as keeping business local is very important to him.
 
Joe Ward Menswear will continue the family legacy of providing high quality men's clothing in store, and online at www.joewardmenswear.ie. With 11,000sq ft of space he has laid out specific sections dedicated to each collection of casual clothing, footwear, suits, and grooms wear to make browsing an easy and efficient experience.
Having worked alongside Michael for 25 years, since he was a teenager Joe is excited to be taking this next step. He has chosen established and rising Irish and international brands such as Penguin, XV Kings, Jack Jones, Remus Uomo, Helly Hansen, Benetti, Finch Hatton, Gardeur, Vichi, Clean Cut Copenhagen, A Fish Named Fred and Swole Panda to reinvigorate the shop. He also stocks children's suits for Communions, Confirmations and Weddings.
 
With music by John Mulvihill, food from Gullanes, special offers and giveaways. Joe's cousin Neil Molloy from Galway Bay FM's Mollie in the Morning was instore for the day, and even putting some of his previous experience as a Sales Assistant in Michael Ward's many years ago into practice!  - the Opening Day was a huge success. The website also relaunched on the same day after a refreshing upgrade 
 
He looks forward to welcoming everyone instore in the busy lead up to Christmas, and for wedding and formal wear fittings for 2023 onwards in the dedicated space upstairs. There's also a new Photo Memory Wall upstairs chronicling the history of the shop, the town and the family, take a look when you're next instore or passing by.
 
www.facebook.com/JoeWardMenswear
Instagram: @joewardmenswear

Joe Ward outside the shop