Bankz Salon in Portlaoise to Close After 33 Years, Owner Cites Pace of Life Not Money

Bankz, the Portlaoise hair and beauty salon that opened in 1993, will close its doors for the final time on Wednesday, December 23 — a decision owner Barbara Aldritt says has nothing to do with money and everything to do with turning 60.

Aldritt broke the news to her 13 employees on the morning of the announcement. That headcount was once well above 20. She had already told staff the salon would not open between Christmas and New Year's, so the wind-down had been quietly under way.

No further vouchers are being sold. Outstanding vouchers can be honoured between now and Christmas.

How did the business get here?

The salon started in 1993 as Precision Hairdressing, rebranded to Bankz in 1996, and moved into a purpose-built premises at Bank Place — across from the old Prison Officer's Club — in 2000. Over three decades it grew into one of the most highly-regarded salons in the midlands.

"When I started out 33 years ago, it was just me and one trainee," Aldritt told LaoisToday. "I could never have imagined where the little beginning would lead."

A large number of young hairdressers trained and served at Bankz over the years. That training legacy is clearly personal to her.

"Throughout my career, one of the things I have always loved most is the training side of our industry, supporting and nurturing the skills and confidence of the next generation of hairdressers," she said.

Takeaway: this is a closure, but also a 33-year training institution shutting up shop.

Why close now, and not for financial reasons?

The decision is not economic. Aldritt turned 60 last year and has worked more than 40 years in the industry. She wants a change of pace.

"I couldn't give what I used to give to the business," she said. "And I just felt a decision had to be made. So I made it."

She had known the decision was coming for a while. What made it hard was the client relationships.

"Your clients are like nearly an extension of your family," she said. "You've gone through grandkids now, gone through weddings, everything with them. So yeah, it was a huge, huge decision."

She had made her mind up some time ago but delayed the announcement deliberately.

"I just was keeping it to myself because I want to make sure everything was done by the book for the girls," she said.

Some staff have been with her for 20 years. She is confident they will land on their feet. "I have enough contacts around to get them all work. They won't be out of a job."

Takeaway: a controlled, by-the-book closure rather than a distress sale.

What survives the closure?

Bankz Wigs continues. Aldritt will keep supplying wigs to patients who have lost their hair.

She also stays active industry-side, as chairperson of Image Skillnet, the national body supporting the hair, beauty and spa industry in Ireland, and through her involvement with the Irish Hairdressing Apprenticeship.

Takeaway: the salon closes; the wig service and her industry roles carry on.

What happens to the premises?

Barbara and her husband Mick own the Bank Place building and are currently seeking a tenant to fill what the source describes as a considerable space.

In her statement, Aldritt thanked her "wonderful, loyal, clients who have been with me throughout these 33 years" and her present and past staff for "your hard work, loyalty and the contribution that have helped make Bankz what it is today."

"I wish each and every one of you nothing but happiness and success," she added.

And on pulling the shutters down for the last time: "It'd be a hard, sad day, but look, it's given me a lot."

With the wig business, her Skillnet chairmanship and the apprenticeship work all continuing, Aldritt's exit from salon ownership looks less like a retirement and more like a redirection of 40 years of expertise.