When the Shopping Was Good:
Woolworths and the Irish Main Street

'A joy to read ... she entertains and whets the appetite for more,'

For generations of Irish shoppers a visit to their nearest Woolworth store was regarded as an essential part of a day's outing. Barbara Walsh presents a lively and entertaining account of this distinctive chain-store's retailing style in Ireland and its impact on the Irish Main Street.

'Extensive use of first-hand accounts bring depth and colour...'

'…lively and fascinating…'

Richly illustrated with over 70 images from every corner of Ireland, north and south, this book will intrigue and entertain readers of all ages.

'Notable for its profusion of nostalgic black-and-white photos.'

Based on unique primary sources, each chapter brings readers both nostalgia and drama. The narrative tells of changed shopping habits, lifestyles and retail working conditions – but also carries tales of gunmen and boycotts, trade wars and lock-outs, corporate collapse and recovery strategies for almost one hundred years of trading in Ireland: 1914 – 2008.

'In this well researched study, Dr. Walsh provides a valuable insight into the evolution of Irish retail business.'

Offering building blocks for more specialist studies, this book presents a comprehensive account of the impact made by one ofIreland's most iconic shopping experiences.

'...an elegy of sorts for a lost world of Irish shopping and, indeed, a lost lexicon of words such as haberdashery and draper…'

The story of Woolworth's unforgettable ice cream, the pick 'n mix sweets and music departments that became a legend, Hollywood-style cosmetics, Christmas toys and decorations, haberdashery, tools and hardware will stir memories for many people.

'...full of enchanting and intriguing detail about Woolworths, their staff, and about Irish commercial life...thoroughly researched and beautifully written.'

Available from Irish Academic Press and all good bookshops and on-line booksellers in the UK, Ireland and USA.

In May 2012, Barbara will be contributing to a one-day conference on the topic of Woolworths at the Henley Business School, University of Reading. See the following link: www.Woolworthsconference.co.uk