Fashion, food, jewellery and entertainment outlets in Kilkenny are engaging with a drive to create an uplifting lifestyle experience for shoppers, and protecting retail jobs. One driving force behind this collective drive is Anne Barber, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce’s newly-appointed president. The Cork-born entrepreneur and savvy retailer is one of the leading lights in a new multi-media campaign to spotlight the bustling, history-steeped city as a mecca for discerning shoppers.
“We’re excited about the new retail campaign,” said Anne Barber. “It’s a chance for us to tell our story to our local as well as visiting audience and it’s an opportunity for us to remind the people of Kilkenny city and county what a great mix of retailers we have here in Kilkenny, all working together for the good of one another. “Retail is a very important sector in Kilkenny, with 931 businesses comprising 459 owners and 3,811 employees.
As President of Kilkenny Chamber, I’m very conscious of working hard to protect and grow our unique retail offering, as well as all the other sectors the Chamber represents.” The Fermoy native came to Kilkenny over two decades ago, having cut her teeth in the five generations-old family jewellery business in Fermoy, which her brother, Simon, now runs. Today, Anne owns and manages ‘Butterslip’ on Kilkenny city’s Rose Inn Street, a stone’s throw from Kilkenny Castle, the new Medieval Mile Museum and other historic landmarks.
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