Texas set to re-open in Tullamore

The news that Texas department store is returning to Tullamore has caused quite a stir locally.

On Monday morning, the proprietor of the original Texas department store in town, well known businessman Tom McNamara, announced on Facebook that he was re-opening at its original home on William Street, in the old ESB outlet, in ten weeks time. The post said that the store “will be selling top class clothing, footwear and accessories with prices that will never be beaten”.

When contacted by the Offaly Independent, Mr McNamara, who is better known locally as 'Texas Tom', was unavailable for comment as he was abroad, but comfirmed via WhatsApp that approximately 30 jobs will be created when the store is opened.

In its heyday in the 1990s, Texas was one of the most popular department stores in the region attracting shoppers from across the midlands to Tullamore. Mr McNamara also opened Texas branches in Athlone and Mullingar.

The announcement that the Tullamore store was re-opening was warmly welcomed on social media with hundreds of messages posted on the store's Facebook page.

Many posters reminisced about shopping in the store when they younger, while others spoke fondly of working there in their youth.
The public have also been asked for the views on what colour the facade of the new store should be painted and also for input on how the interior of the store should be decorated.