IT seems the buzz phrase around Tralee over the past month or so is ‘relocation, relocation, relocation’.

In the past couple of months, Rockalilly, Ela Marie and Loramar have upped sticks and moved to fresh premises in the town. So why the move?

“The main reason is a bigger premises and an increased footfall in the area here,” said Linda Murphy of Rockalilly, the fashion boutique which has moved from Castle Street to Abbeycourt.

On whether business had picked up since the move, Linda said: “A little, but I don’t think Tralee has picked up yet this year, but we’re hopeful for the rest of the year ahead”

Margaret McIntyre of Loramar is happy she made the move down to lower Rock Street from just 100 yards up the road.

“The shops alongside me shut down and it got very quiet, but around here it’s very good with great passing trade,” said Margaret.

She believes Manor West is still taking many people out of town, especially with the free parking, but was optimistic for the future.

Elsewhere, Ela Maria has moved from Rock Street over to Bridge Street on the site of the old Dowling’s Sports shop, thus brightening up that area of town further.

Whatever the reasons for moving around, it’s good to see businesses are staying open, thinking fresh and looking to the future.