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Who Are Cilento

Established over 35 years ago, Cilento has become a trusted, much-loved store and one of the North-West of Irelands leading department stores. An Irish, family owned business, we are known for provision of quality designer products, unmatched personal shopping experiences, and expert knowledge for our customers here in Ireland, and globally via our online store. We believe that the personal touch we bring does not just apply to in-store customers, and we aim to provide this unique experience to our wonderful customers online as well. 

 

Were We Began

Our journey began in the summer of 1987, but not as the Cilento we know today, but as Rascals, a childrenswear designer fashion store. Founded by Lesley Mealiff the store opening on Castle Street, in the heart of Strabane, County Tyrone, followed months of careful planning, building refurbishment and stock merchandising. However, just three months later in October 1987 the River Mourne burst its banks and flooded Strabane town centre. The town was submerged in up to 4 foot of water, destroying many homes and businesses, including Rascals. While this was a massive set-back Lesley's passion and commitment was undeterred, and four months later Rascals re-opened. Over the next four years Rascals became the go to fashion retailer for childrenswear, drawing customers from a wide geographical location. In 1992 demand was so great that when the adjoining TSB Bank closed down Lesley purchased the rear yard and again got the builders in. Rascals doubled its floor area, created new offices and a large store room, meaning that new brands and more products could be supplied to its customers. 

In 2004 Rascals was going from strength-to-strength when an opportunity arose. Gordons, a well know ladies-wear store across Castle Street was closing. Having received a number of requests to stock ladies designer fashions from her customers, Lesley took on the challange of purchasing the premises at 24 Castle Street and in 2005 (after yet more building works) Cilento was born. Rascals was relocated to the ground floor and a new range of designer ladies fashions was created on the first floor.

Over the next couple of years Lesley's unmatched and unique styling options proved to be as big a success as her children's clothing ranges. Demand grew, brands were added, and with the introduction of men's fashions, Lesley was on the move again. In 2007 Asda were building a new superstore on the edge of town; next to this development was the establishment of a number of retail parks, and it's in one of these, The Pavilion Retail Park, Cilento Designer Wear would find its new home. Since 2007 the new 10,000 square foot store allowed for the development of our Mother of Bride department, the introduction of our homewares and gifting departments and has allowed us to stock over 200 brands across five departments. Cilento has now become of the north-wests premier department stores, a one-stop destination for Man, Woman, Child and Home. 

 

Our Future 

For generations our customers have trusted us with their loyalty and support, and many of the children that Rascal's dressed throughout the 1990's are now buying for their own children - and those mums who came through the doors of Castle Street in the early days are still shopping with us as today as grandmothers. At Cilento your family is part of our family, and for that reason we pride ourselves on our customer service; from the first baby grow to a Mother of the Bride outfit Cilento is here for all your families' special moments. With the launch of our online store in 2013 Cilento has been able to bring what we do best to a global audience. We aim to offer the same personal shopping touch, brand excellence with expertise and knowledge worldwide. Whether in-store or online we guarantee that Cilento touch. 

From Our Family to Yours ~ Love Cilento x