The Book of Avoca
October saw the opening of Avoca’s newest retail offering in Rathcoole. WMB caught up with top designer and businesswoman Amanda Pratt who admits, “There are a lot of mad things going into the shop”.

Amanda paints an exciting picture of the new 38,000 sq. ft creation to include old greenhouses, an extensive foodhall and much more. “We had felt for a long time that we wanted something on the west or north side. The build started on December 21st.  It’s obviously a huge project and both Simon and I have worked closely with the architects throughout.
It’s very big in that we are occupying 28,000 sq. ft and tenants will occupy the balance on the top floor. And it’s very beautiful. We’re putting in a pink poured concrete floor from Denmark - we’re the first in the British Isles to have it done”.

Everything about Amanda is quite unique. She has an air that is confident without being overtly so. I met her at Avoca Headquarters in Wicklow but allowed enough time beforehand to take a look around the Kilmacanogue store.  Business was brisk and I noted a certain energy and buzz about the place - a far cry from the humble beginnings of this now very successful family venture.

Most recently, Avoca joined Bloomingdale’s in the top 100 shops around the globe. The list, which was compiled by respected ‘Retail Weekly’ magazine, was judged by a group of top industry figures. “It’s lovely to be included in the top 100”, says Amanda. She recounts the moment when her brother Simon and her decided to really go for it. “Simon and I think very alike. I remember very specifically standing and saying to each other ‘if we are going to stay here and its going to be our lives and our careers, it better be something that we love, that is fun and that we’re proud of’. Mission accomplished, I’d say!

Read more about Amanda Pratt in the October | November 2006 issue of WMB, subscribe now.