Dressed to impress at E&M Stores
MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
E&M Stores in Cootehill has been at the heart of local life since 1969, dressing generations of families for their most memorable occasions. Now managed by 46-year-old Brian McCarey, the business continues to thrive, combining tradition, quality, and a personal touch that online shopping simply cannot replace.
The story of E&M began in 1969 when Brian’s father, Michael, then just 24 years, opened the shop with the support of his wife Angela. In the early years, the store carried a wide mix of household goods alongside clothing for men, women, and children. Over time, however, the family refined their focus, and have become the go-to destination for occasional attire.
Brian, one of five siblings, grew up in the shop. They spent their school and college breaks sweeping floors, tidying displays, and lending a hand during the busy pre-Christmas season. While his brothers and sisters pursued other careers, Brian stayed, taking over the reins after college. His parents still play a part - though his father jokes that he now enjoys the “best of it” tending to customers without the long hours he once kept.
It is these relationships, that make E&M special, Brian believes. Over the years, he has seen young boys suited for communion return for confirmation, then a debs tuxedo, and eventually a wedding suit. “We’re there through all of life’s milestones,” he says, “and it’s a privilege to be part of those family memories.”
The shop employs nine staff members, all trained to offer honest advice. “If something doesn’t suit, we’ll say it,” Brian promises.
This personal service, he argues, is their strongest defence against the rise of online and fast fashion. While internet retailers rely on algorithms, E&M relies on expertise, fit, and trust.
To keep ahead of trends, Brian regularly visits showrooms in Italy and Germany, selecting pieces he knows will resonate with Irish tastes. He embraces change in fashion, even enjoying the resurgence of 1990s styles from his own youth.
“The colours, the freshness - you have to welcome it,” he says.
Beyond the shop, the family remains deeply rooted in the community. From sponsoring local sport to volunteering with youth athletics, E&M continues to give back to the town that has supported them for more than 50 years.
CONTACT US