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Lidl opportunity to save some cash
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By Pat Fitzpatrick
Sunday Jul 20 2008
So, in the end, it's all about white plates. As we duck and dive from the daily signs of an economy in reverse, it's impossible to ignore this week's story that the site of the former Habitat store at the bottom of Grafton Street may be taken over by bargainmeisters Lidl.
One of the great rituals of the Celtic Tiger was going into Habitat on a Saturday and buying a couple of white porcelain plates and a mug for €20. Why? Because we could. Looking back on it now, this porcelain fetish was our equivalent of bathing in goat's milk, an amazing way of burning money and a financial disaster if you were planning a Greek wedding.
Of course, if Lidl gets the site, we can go in there and get a complete set of porcelain ware and still have change from our €20 for a pair of his and hers action slacks, a waterproof mountain bike and an inflatable trampoline with a built-in MP3 player.
As for those who moan about the arrival of Lidl on the self-styled "best shopping street in Europe", we would advise them to go and smash some cheap porcelain to let off some steam. With the exception of a few local gems, Ireland's Main Street was basically the same as the High Street in Norwich with much higher rent, which in the end was paid for by us money-burning Paddys.
From now on, we want Grafton Street to be the home of good value. Buskers will be expected to play two songs for the price of one; God botherers with megaphones will be expected to perform miracles; the Hare Krishna crowd will be expected to have a summer sale on good karma. Finally, we have a short message for those silver-painted guys who never move. You're fired.
Pat Fitzpatrick
- Pat Fitzpatrick
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