Our History: Rooted in Tradition, Evolving with Time

Founded in 1864 by Henry Shaw, our journey began in a small drapery shop in Mountmellick, Co. Laois. Under the careful guidance of Henry and his wife Annie, the business steadily grew, expanding to two premises by the turn of the century. As the decades passed, Shaws continued to thrive under the leadership of William Henry Shaw and Samuel Shaw, expanding across the country with stores in Athy, Waterford, and Carlow. Throughout the 20th century, Shaws embarked on a period of rapid expansion, giving birth to the well-loved slogan, "Shaws Almost Nationwide." The most recent addition to our family of stores is in the Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone, which opened in October 2024. To find the nearest Shaws location, visit our Store Locator.

Building Relationships with Our Community

Being a family-run business means we understand the importance of community. Many of our employees have dedicated their entire careers to Shaws, and this loyalty extends to our customers, some of whom have been shopping with us for decades. This commitment to care and quality earned us the Best Retailer Award at the Irish CX Impact Awards in 2023. At Shaws, we’re not just a store but a community. Whether shopping for the latest fashion, essential homeware, or a special gift, we invite you to experience the Shaws difference—where tradition meets modern convenience and customers always come first.