The business owners in George’s Street Arcade are a diverse bunch, coming from the likes of Nepal, Poland, France and Venezuela. We meet some of them to learn about what brought them to one of Dublin’s best markets.

How business is done at George’s Street Arcade

The much-loved George’s Street Arcade is more than just a quick way to get to Drury Street. It is a living breathing illustration of integration from all over the world, under one uniquely Dublin roof.

As Dublin.ie approached the green gates, it noticed an impeccably dressed lady with a blossom in her hair. Floating gracefully from stall to stall, greeting each one’s inhabitants, she straightens signage and coos encouragement.

Gwen Layden

This is Gwen Layden of the Layden Group – the second-generation owner of the Arcade building – and, without a doubt, a leader of her community.

So why is this George’s Street Arcade so unique? “The mix of people is what I love most,” she says. “Business is about people. The eclectic mix of products and people is second to none, I suspect, and it is truly a community.”

It is to her credit that this arcade is a crucible of creativity, colour and can-do attitude – all bubbling up from an eclectic melting pot of multiple small independent businesses.

Gwen spells out her inclusive, ethical and custodial approach: “The owner runs each shop or stall – there’s complementary mix and no direct competition. It means that everyone can rest easy knowing their business will have this space to grow uniquely and without being undercut or copied”.

A helping hand hand during a crisis

The business owners show fierce loyalty to the strong community here, citing the typically excellent footfall, camaraderie and – most of all – management.

They refer to the decision by the Layden Group to pause rents during the Covid-19 lockdowns back in 2020 that shut down stores throughout the city. Subsequently, as Dublin began to re-open, rent was initially set at a reduced rate. Their bond with Gwen is palpable.

Amit Bajrachrya

Amit Bajrachrya, originally from Nepal, came here with an MBA by way of Liverpool ten years ago to set up his shop, Irish Gifts 4 You.

“I always wanted to work for myself,” he says.

“When I came for a visit to Dublin, it felt like a lively city with lots of engaging people. This arcade had great stalls and plenty of footfall. During the challenging times, people have made a point of supporting our businesses, shopping locally and even refusing a discount.”

The Irish contributors

Businesses run by Irish owners also contribute to the eclectic feel of George’s Street Arcade. Some are institutions in their own right, like Stoke’s Bookshop, which is celebrating 35 years within the community.

Three generations have run Body.1973 – the piercing and silver jewellery establishment that has called George’s Street Arcade its home for over 40 years. Donal, who runs Siam Su, has been selling from his stall for 32 years. He started off specialising in merchandise from Thailand and now sells t-shirts.

Retiree Tony Schorman sells and swaps collectable coins, stamps, banknotes and more at Lir Coins. Dealing in Georges Street Arcade for almost ten years, his stall has become one of the few places for browsing and buying militia in Dublin City Centre today. You can read more about their stories in our other article on the stallholders of George’s Street Arcade.

From K-pop accessories to unique crafts

We stopped into clothing stall Rare, which sells a selection of clothes inspired by Asian comic books and K-pop. It’s run by Chinese owners who came to Dublin to find new opportunities over a decade ago.

You’ll also find contemporary gifts and anime merchandise from Asia here. They spoke highly of the support from building owners too: “They’re good people. It wasn’t easy for them to discount the rent, but they are very much appreciated.”

Magda Niechwiej, owner of Unique Crafts and Design, originally from Poland, has been here since 2006.

“The people in Dublin made me want to stay,” she says. “The atmosphere and vibe in the city are really special. The atmosphere at every level – support from my neighbours, customers and even the arcade owners.”

What’s her advice for others who want to set up their own business? “A good location in the city matters. Don’t be afraid to pay extra for the footfall,” she says. “I would also go to the Local Enterprise Office for business advice.”

Dublin is a richer place, in more ways than one, thanks to the contributions, hard work, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit of our diverse community. It wouldn’t be possible without the warmth of the local communities that receive them, though. That’s our Dublin; let’s keep it colourful and alive.

What the Local Enterprise Office says

“I would encourage anyone thinking of setting up a business to attend one of our Free Weekly Business Advice Clinics,” says Dave Connolly, Business Advisor at Dublin City LEO. “You’ll gain an understanding of everything, from how to register a company in Ireland to the offerings available from the various enterprise support agencies.”

Dave points out the growing richness and variety in Dublin’s food sector – a visible result of our multicultural business scene.

Some of LEO’s recent success stories include Gunmoo Kim of Jaru, a contemporary Korean Food business set up by a student of TU Dublin’s City Centre Campus. Another being George’s Street Arcade natives, Nik and Vaishali Mehta, who scaled their gourmet dried nuts and fruit brand, Nutty Delights, through e-commerce.

To find out more about George’s Street Arcade, visit its website.