ROSSCARBERY business Hubbert’s has reinvented itself over the years, but service to the community has been unwavering over the past half a century.

Marking the incredible milestone of 50 years in business, ever resilient proprietor Nora Hubbert reflected on the journey, that has seen it trade as a food store, craft shop, café, and now a vintage fashion haven.

‘In March 1975, a commercial property in West Square, Rosscarbery came on the market through Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneer of Clonakilty. The building, a three-storey premises with a long history as a grocery shop and bakery, had fallen into disrepair.

‘The roof needed fixing, the windows were boarded up and the whole site needed a serious makeover. However Willie and I saw its potential,’ she recalled.

Young and enthusiastic, ‘full of dreams and energy and maybe even a little wishful thinking,’ Nora said they ‘jumped at the opportunity’.

‘With Willie a trained butcher, the original plan was to open a combined food store and butcher shop, simple but ambitious however, plans changed and the butcher shop was abandoned. While no small feat, mortgages were practically unheard of back then, we managed to buy and pay for the property outright.

‘We set to work quickly, with the support of builders Sonny Whelton, Joe and Martin Whelton, and several younger lads lending a hand. It was, from the start, a real family affair. Just a few short months later, on 4th July 1975, Hubbert’s Foodstore officially opened its doors,’ she said.

They were, she admitted, lucky to have the steadfast support of loyal customers, many of whom have sadly passed on.

‘To them and to all who have supported us over the years we owe our deepest thanks,’ she said.

As the years went on, the landscape changed, larger supermarkets opened in neighbouring towns, competition grew, and Nora said they had to think outside the box.

‘On Easter Saturday, March 29th, 1997 we took the next leap in our journey: Hubbert’s Crafts and Coffee Shop was born, still within the original store,’ said Nora.  From the very beginning, the craft shop proudly stocked only Irish-made goods.

‘The home-baked treats and coffee were a huge success, but it was the craft business that truly flourished, attracting visitors from near and far. As the Celtic Tiger roared, so too did our business.

‘Around 2001, for a gentler pace of life, I made the decision to retire the coffee shop but the crafts carried on. But then came the global recession in the autumn of 2008, its effects trickling into West Cork by early 2010,’ remembers Nora.

It was time to think outside the box again.

‘In May 2010, we opened Hubbert’s Vintage & Pre-Loved Fashion Consignment Store, Dress 2 Impress – yet another fresh chapter, driven by creativity and resilience. Our ethos remained unchanged: embrace opportunity, evolve with the times, and always put heart and soul into what we do,’ said Nora.

‘Through every change, one thing has remained constant, our love for this community and our deep gratitude to the customers, neighbours, friends and family who made and continue to make it all possible,’ said Nora.

The journey, she said, has been nothing short of amazing and they are endlessly grateful for the support, loyalty and  memories made together.

‘This little shop has been more than a business—it’s been a part of the fabric of our community, a place where laughter, stories, and friendships have been shared. Here’s to the next 50 years of craftsmanship, sustainability, and community spirit.’