Next week Mark O'Connell will close his takeaway café The Runner Bean after more than three decades in business. In recent days there has been a steady trickle of customers wishing him well and expressing regrets that he will shut his health food business on Dublin’s Nassau Street.
Outside his shop is a sandwich board. "Closing Sale, lots of stock half price, independent Irish business, thank you for your custom," it reads.
Inside is a wide variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables. Even in the final days Mark O'Connell is enthusiastic about his produce.
He has been forced to pull down the shutters due to an 85% drop in sales. He now plans to move his business online. A retail revolution has accompanied the Covid-19 pandemic.