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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
World
Diane Burke

Dublin remembers: Hector Grey's on Liffey Street

We decided to head down memory lane and look back at one of Dublin's former favourite shops that the city centre no longer boasts - Hector Grey's.

The shop that used to be home on Liffey Street for over 50 years will always be fondly remembered by generations of Dubliners as a real-life Aladdin's cave. Many would agree that the legendary retailer paved the way for the likes of Euro shops and Dealz of today.

Hector Grey himself was originally from Scotland and made the move to our fair city back in the 1920s when he married Annabelle, a native of the city's dockside. It took no length of time to become known as a legend among locals.

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This is shown in his success in knowing what the people wanted having opened three shops including Liffey Street, Mary Street and Crumlin Shopping Centre during his career.

Hector Grey chatting to a crowd of people in Dublin City in 1971 (RTÉ Archives.ie)

For those who weren't around to witness the shop in all its glory, you're probably wondering what exactly did Hector sell? Anything your heart desired including hardware and ornaments, from oil crayons to plastic jewellery and everything in between.

Many childhoods will be filled with fond memories of heading into town over the weekend and popping into Hector's with their parents so they could pick up a bargain or two. Dubliners will agree that Hector Grey's has been a major loss to our city centre since its closure but thankfully the fond memories shall last the test of time.

The legendary retailer made such an impact that a plaque commemorating a man of the people can be found on Liffey Street near the Ha'penny Bridge marking the location where he began trading in the city.

Let us know in the comments what era of Dublin brings back the most nostalgic memories for you.

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