(Photo: Some of the staff at Salmons enjoying a well-earned cup of coffee. L-R: Bernie Burke, Heather Rafter, Dermon Salmon, and Carol Hogan.)
Visitors to Salmon’s recently will have noticed a change to the front of the store, where a Bewley’s coffee machine has been installed, with an attractive space for people to sit and linger over a cup.
The machine can also provide tea and hot chocolate, and sweet treats are available for those who want to indulge. It’s the latest innovation for a store that keeps redeveloping. “We thought we had the space, why not try and make better use of it?” says Dermot Salmon, owner of the store.
Salmon’s hasn’t stood still since Tom and Peggy first opened it in 1962. The couple took over Connolly’s newsagent and ran it successfully, before buying the pub next door, Hubie Hardimans, in the early seventies, and extending into it. A further extension followed in 1991, when the store became a supermarket. Following a fire in 2017 that caused extensive damage, the front of the shop was modernised.
Today, as well as the original newsagents and stationery, the shop sells gifts, toys, books, wine, household goods, and essentials. They also have a popular video feature online, “3 things you didn’t know we sell at Salmon’s” to show the breadth and range of goods they stock. The latest video included items as diverse as car charging cables and stamps.
Dermot, who has been working at Salmon’s for over three decades, and managing the store since his father passed away in 2009, relishes the opportunity to change. He says the best thing about running the store is: “the freedom to make decisions, roll the dice [and] take chances.”
They chose Bewley’s coffee for the store as: “it’s one of the best- known and best-loved Irish coffee brands. We thought it would be a great fit for Salmon’s.” The machine offers popular coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
In conjunction with the new coffee spot, Dermot has recently started a book group, which meets once a month. Unlike most book groups, there isn’t a set book to read, so people can just turn up and discuss what they have enjoyed reading recently. “It’s all about the love of reading,” adds Dermot. Members get a 10% discount off tea and coffees as well as books purchased on the day. Anyone interested in joining can email salmonsstore@gmail.com. They are also considering hosting a knitting group if there is sufficient interest. If you would like them to start a group, please email.
The book group joins their already established community activities. For children, there is a Pokémon Play event every week on Saturdays from 1pm, which has proven to be a big hit. They also hold art classes for children every Saturday, 11am – 12.30 pm. For more information, ring the tutor, Michaela on (089) 484 5232. You can also find her on Instagram @ michaelamccarrollart. (Please note, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
Salmon’s is open from 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday and 10am – 6pm on Saturdays. Their website is: https:// salmonsonlinestore.com. They are on Instagram as @ salmonsstore, Facebook as SalmonsDepartmentStore, and TikTok as salmonsstoreballinasloe.
