It's nearly time for Clerys to open again

The clean-up of Clerys clock also signifies the much-anticipated re-opening of the O'Connell Street department store in the coming weeks.

Yesterday, as cleaners washed down the store's facade, builders could be spotted through an upstairs window on a quick tea break from the renovation work.

At the back door, racks of clothes were being wheeled in from packed vans to re-stock in time for the grand re-opening.

Some of the 86 staff who were temporarily laid off as the repair work got under way have been keeping the spirit of Clerys alive in a pop-up shop on nearby North Earl Street.

Thousands of well-wishers posted their favourite Clerys moment on a memory wall in the shop ,which also offered tea and coffee at a small price to raise funds for Temple Street Children's Hospital.

Now construction teams are working flat out to ensure the store on the capital city's main thoroughfare reopens in time for the Christmas shopping rush.

The US owners of Clerys, the Gordon Brothers, have said the store will be back in business in time for the festive season.

RELAUNCH

The shop was extensively damaged by flood waters coming through the roof in a thunder and lightening storm on the night of July 24 last.

Water dripped from the upper floors right through the building, destroying fittings and stock and causing structural damage.

hnews@herald.ie