WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OWN YOUR BUSINESS?
My parents opened Cronin’s Irish Cottage in 1985. They were both born and
raised in Ireland and had lived in New York City for almost 20 years before moving
to Scranton. When they moved to Scranton they didn’t know anyone, but soon
noticed many people of Irish descent in the area. My parents opened the shop as
a way to bring Ireland to Scranton. After my parents passed away, the future of the
store was in question, but it was clear that the store had become part of the fabric
of our region. People stop in to hold tangible evidence of their ancestry as well as
to buy gifts for communions, christenings, Christmas and everything in between.
Most importantly, they come in to connect with their heritage.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT DOING BUSINESS LOCALLY?
Breeda Cronin
Holmes
I’ve had people stop in to show me the Claddagh rings their grandmother bought
them here 30 years ago. I’ve had customers tell me that all the brides in their
family wear Claddagh earrings purchased from Cronin’s. It is such a humbling
experience to realize that your little Irish store is a part of family heirlooms and
traditions. I don’t think I can ever really explain how it feels to see a woman come
in to register for her wedding or pick up her wedding bands knowing that she
wore a christening gown from this store. I don’t think my parents ever knew the
impact their little shop had on families.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE CHAMBER?
Cronin’s Irish Cottage
Scranton, PA
Member since 2019
I feel like I have been in this business for so long that it has stopped feeling like a
business – and that is not necessarily a good thing. I have to remember that I need
a business advocate, as well as education and networking, to keep my family’s
business alive for another 34 years – all of which I know the Chamber can provide!
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES LATELY?
This is your invitation to book an award-winning,
financial seminar with our experts—it’s FREE!
RAISE YOUR
CREDIT SCORE
BUYING
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have a question, NET is right there to
“ If you
give you the answer. If they don’t know it,
they’re going to find the person who does,
and they’re going to get it to you immediately.
You’re going to walk out of there much more
educated than when you walked in.
– Dawn Zaleski-Melodia, Scranton Lackawanna
Human Development Agency
“
PROTECTING
YOUR IDENTITY
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www.scrantonchamber.com • 5