Adiós to Zara as fashion giant pull out

Date Published: 29-May-2009

ZARA, one of the biggest fashion retailers in the world, have abandoned plans to open a new store in place of Taaffes on William Street – blaming the decision on a three year planning delay and the economic downturn.
The Spanish retail giant is understood to have broken the news last week to well-known city developer and businessman Gerry Barrett – who had been battling to bring the store to Galway for several years.
The decision came as city planning officials granted permission for the redevelopment of the derelict shop unit at 47 William Street – the fourth planning application submitted
in three years.
“Unfortunately, and due to a combination of both the lengthy planning delays that have ensued as well as the current economic climate, Edward Holdings received a communication from Spanish
retailer Zara early last week that the terms previously agreed with it are no longer applicable and that it will not at this point be taking up a tenancy in the former Taaffes.
“While this is disappointing, we are confident that this space will still attract a significant international tenant, as it remains the last undeveloped shop unit in the city centre.