Without our customers we wouldn't still be here

The Bridge Centre in Tullamore celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend with a host of special events and offers for customers including a chance to win a holiday of a lifetime to Las Vegas.

Since The Bridge Centre opened its doors in September 1995 the local economy has undergone a number of ups and downs, but the centre, which was developed by local businessman Christy Maye and remains totally Irish owned, has remained a firm favourite with shoppers of all ages.

This weekend’s celebrations begin next Saturday, September 12, with a host of family-friendly activities including magic shows, Punch and Judy shows, bouncing castles, facepaint and a 30ft climbing wall.

For those a little bit older, there will be a host of in-store promotions and giveaways including scratch cards and spot prizes such as Bridge Centre money vouchers. The centre piece of the centre’s giveaways will be the trip for two to Las Vegas.
The key to the centre’s longevity, according to manager John Cusack, is simple - the support of its loyal customers. This weekend's events “are a way of saying thank you”.

“If it wasn’t for our customers we wouldn’t be celebrating 20 years. It’s also a testament to the calibre of the shops in the centre and the fact that we have one of the finest Dunnes Stores supermarkets in the country as our anchor tenant.' 

Mr Cusack, who is one of 15 members of staff who have been employed in the centre since it opened in 1995, says that one of the things that gives the centre its unique atmosphere is the high number of retailers that are owner occupiers.

The centre and its retailers are firmly rooted in their community and this sense of community can be plainly seen in the support the centre provides to local organisations and charities. In fact, over €150,000 is raised in the centre each year for local causes.

“The centre has stood the test of time even throughout the recession. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the personal touch and have a great association with them. We reckon that 50 million have passed through the doors over the past 20 years and we are very thankful and appreciative for their support they have shown us. Without them we wouldn’t be here.”