Just a little over an hour from Dublin, a little over two hours from Cork, and just over 2.5 hours from Galway, you will find the hidden gem for shoppers that is Carlow. From Carlow Town to Tullow, from Bagenalstown to Rathvilly, the Dolmen County is laced with towns and villages that are a veritable feast for shoppers, whether you’re looking for somewhere to spend a weekend staycation browsing the stores, or specifically looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind, boutique item.

Speaking to Nicola Doran, the CEO of the County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, who points out the obvious competition to local businesses: “Online shopping has its place – it is handy and can serve a need. However, it bypasses that joy of discovery that you get when you visit a shop and find that perfect item you didn’t know you needed, or that ideal gift that shows how much thought and care you put into the purchase.

“Carlow’s independent retailers offer exactly that – diverse and curated solutions to your needs. An opportunity to explore and find brands you are unlikely to be able to get online. Moreover, they offer a chance to see, touch, and feel the quality of the item, to try it on, and to be sure it meets – or indeed – exceeds your expectations.”

Everyone we spoke to about the shopping experience in Carlow had pretty much the exact same thing to say: customers have access to some old and new family businesses that offer what can only be described as exceptional customer service. At the end of the day, it is always about the customer service, which is the real differentiator. Whether you’re looking for something very specific or feeling overwhelmed by a plethora of options, Carlow’s amazing customer service puts the joy back into retail therapy.

Speaking of which, remember the old-school pleasure to be found in simply… going shopping? Perusing from window to window, storefront to storefront, the goal being nothing more than discovery, the prize being a surprise item you weren’t expecting to buy. But there it is, the very thing you didn’t know you wanted.

Eoin Rea, owner of Rea Communications in Bagenalstown, knows that in-person shopping can prove to be a totally different, much more positive experience for the customer: “It’s the personal touches that make all the difference. Many of our smaller retail stores are family-owned, offering a level of service that online shopping simply can’t match — from knowing customers by name to offering genuine, face-to-face advice. There’s no waiting on delivery times either — you can walk out with exactly what you need, the very same day.”

Of course, beyond the positive impact it can have for customers, supporting local businesses also has significant benefits for the businesses themselves, as well as the communities around those businesses. For example, the Rea’s Department Store will be celebrating 60 years in business next year, and its owner Colin Rea knows that a considerable part of those decades of success comes down to people deciding to spend in person rather than online: “Supporting local businesses has never been as important as they are the life and character of any town. I know consumers will always buy with prices in mind, but please look at the bigger picture and remember it’s not always about price, it’s about value.”

For those considering a trip to Carlow and who might be seeking some retail inspiration, who better to offer guidance than a local? We asked Keith Jones, the owner of Jones Business Systems, to describe to us his perfect day out shopping in Carlow:

“Saturday is the day I would normally be in town, so my perfect start would be a visit to one of Carlows’ delicious eateries, such as Waterlilies or Neighbourhood Espresso, for a delicious coffee and something tasty to eat. From there, it would be over to the wonderful farmers’ market for a browse around the many stalls selling fresh vegetables, breads, and pastries. I might even pick up a bunch of wildflowers for my wife! Then I would head back up Tullow Street, and I would often stop into Shaws, which has something for everyone, and some of the other family businesses, such as Douglas Jewellers.

“From there, I would probably head down towards Allens on Castle Street. I love cooking, so Allen’s is a treasure trove of kitchen gadgets and utensils! With some new kitchen gadgets in hand, I would then pay a visit to Cecilia at Omega fresh fish centre. Cecila’s shop is a pure joy to visit, as you always receive the warmest of welcomes and the best advice on cooking a delicious fish feast! I would then end my trip with a visit to either Sweet Baking Mama or Cafe500, both of which are family-owned eateries serving amazing food. The former with a Maltese influence and the latter with Italian flair!”

And there you have it… Just a handful of recommendations, and just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what to expect from Carlow’s shopping options.

Taking the time to discover the local gems in your locality can make shopping a genuinely positive experience. Often, we forget what is on our doorstep – or we overlook the shops that may not have the marketing budgets of the bigger brands and chains. But these are the shops that are most likely to be able to guide you to the very thing you were looking for – or indeed that item you never knew you needed, but now cannot live without. So don’t shop on automatic. Take a little time to shop in a more considered way – discover the local experts who can offer you a curated choice, genuine advice, and truly personalised customer service, and bring the joy back to shopping. Shop local – shop Carlow.