Edge & Sons Hardware, a landmark for many passing by Fairview Strand on Dublin’s northside for more than a century, is up for sale. The shop was passed down to current owner Victor Edge through three generations of the Edge family.
Victor’s grandfather Elias Edge first opened their doors on March 19th, 1917, handing over to his son Elias, Victor’s father. “It’s an emotional time for me, I’m going to miss meeting people every day, which I love,” said Victor Edge. As he nears his 77th birthday, Victor says that the time has come to take a step back from working six decades after he started full time in the shop at the age of 16. Victor recognises and thanks all their loyal customers, over many generations, of their 106 years. This includes the Edges Hardware Appreciation Society, a 900-strong Facebook group of supporters.
Edge’s successful approach to retail has always been about being understanding and being fair, and not overcharging. The shop that is older than the Irish State, has gone through many challenges including the nearby river Tolka bursting its banks in 1954, leaving much of Fairview and the surrounding area under six feet of water. The water rose to counter level height in the shop and people went past the door in boats.
The shop is now up for sale and according to Victor is unlikely to continue as a hardware store. Neither of Victors two daughters were interested in taking over and are following their own paths in careers as a teacher and as a medical scientist. Victor has said that Edge & Sons will stay in operation until a sale of the property is finalised.
Source: The Irish Times.
