'I juggle a lot': Highs and lows at the helm at Mahon Point

Mahon Point- the biggest shopping centre in Munster and 20 years old this month - has been managed by centre director Justin Young for 17 years.

In this time, Justin has witnessed the highs and lows of retail.

Justin previously worked at a similar shopping centre in Kildare; Whitewater Shopping Centre, which is home to more than 75 stores, before he was wooed to Cork to manage Mahon Point.

“I came here in 2008,” says Justin. “Mahon Point has the same owner as Whitewater."

Both have the same ethos; as places where people shop, socialise, eat, drink, are entertained by watching a good film at the cinema, and spend a few hours having an enjoyable experience.

“The customer is the most important person,” says Justin.

His staff are an integral part of the two-decades-old successful operation.

“You could say I am the landlord of all the outlets,” says Justin. “I juggle a lot!”

They are all in it together.

“I am responsible for the whole premises which I treat as one big unit,” says Justin.

“I liaise with over 50 staff day-in, day out.”

It’s like one big family?

“Exactly!” says Justin.

“We all each other and help each other out. It is a big team effort that works well.”

Every day is an important day at Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Some months, though, are busier than others.

“The month of December, including Christmas, is still the most important time of the year for us and us as a business, and will stay that way for quite a number of years ahead,” says Justin.

Black Friday in November must be an important date in Mahon Point’s calendar?

“It delivers a late November boost, it has lessened over the years,” says Justin.

“Black Friday is certainly important, but it is an event that is losing its wider appeal, having gone from originally a day in a weekend and on the whole to one week.

“It’ll be interesting to see where it’s at in five years.”

Five years ago, when covid arrived, lives and businesses were upended.

“In the bricks and mortar side of the business post-covid, we have learned the importance of the desire of people to get out combined with the social aspect of shopping,” says Justin.

“While hybrid working is probably here to stay, we certainly saw how much people wanted and needed the physical experience of shopping and socialising.”

John Mealy, from Beaumont, has always enjoyed having breakfast and socialising at Mahon Point.

“I go to O’Brien’s sandwich bar at Mahon Point since it opened,” says John.

“My late wife Emily and I always enjoyed going there and having a chat with the lovely staff at O’Brien’s.

“We would bring our grandchildren with us, who are all married off now!”

The staff at O’Brien’s know John very well.

“They call me the ‘scrambled eggs man,’” says John laughing.

“I go there every morning for my breakfast and a cup of coffee.”

John was familiar with Mahon Point long before the shopping centre was built.

“I walked the route every day with my dog,” he says.

A widower since 2022, John enjoys the interactions with the staff at the café.

“I love the old chat every day,” he says. “Everyone is so friendly.”

John says the centre is one of his favourite places to visit.

“I’ll keep going for as long as I can. It is a great outlet for me.”

Mahon Point, a sociable centre, has a lot of strings to its bow.

“It was recognised last year at the Business Energy Achievement Awards,” says Justin.

“We won the Best Energy Achievement in Retail.

What was the significance of this award?

“It acknowledged retailers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in sustainable energy initiatives,” explains Justin.

“It also highlights the centre’s ongoing commitment to reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon dioxide emissions as part of its environmental strategies.”

There’s more.

“We also promote eco-friendly transport with EV charging units,” says Justin.

“We’ve expanded public transport options, and bike and scooter services.

“Alongside these efforts, extensive energy awareness training for staff and engagement campaigns with tenants and the community reinforce a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the centre.”

The shopping centre is community-friendly and it caters for all age groups, and it is fully accessible to people with mobility issues, as well as for people with other issues.

“We are delighted to partner with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), as we are in the process of becoming Ireland’s first dementia-friendly shopping centre,” Justin says.

“Together with our retail stores, we aim to create a space where every individual can navigate with ease and dignity, ensuring inclusivity for all.”

Justin, like all his colleagues at Mahon Point, enjoys job satisfaction.

The local retail hub has had a 4.5% boost in sales volume and a notable increase in foot traffic over the past year. It is a story of resilience.

“Losing our anchor store Debenhams, was a difficult time for all of us,” says Justin.

Mahon Point bounced back.

“When we later acquired our new store, Frasers, the level of interest in occupying the vacant space at the time was significant.”

Was he surprised at that?

“In an era where physical retail spaces are grappling with a plethora of challenges, from the seismic shift to online shopping accelerated by the pandemic, to the economic squeeze on consumer pockets, Mahon Point is a beacon of hope.”

Looking to the future, he said: “There are challenges and opportunities for those willing to adapt, evolve, and invest in the future.

He added: “Mahon Point’s recent achievements just don’t represent a win for the centre itself; they symbolise a broader potential for resilience within the retail sector, a hopeful narrative in these uncertain times."

Justin is certain that he made the right choice leaving Lilywhites territory for the ‘real capital,’ the Rebel County.

“I love my job,” says Justin. “It’s great!”