Natasha’s Gift Shop celebrates 20 years in business in Rathangan

Anniversary

Natasha Martin, the owner of Natasha's Gift Shop told the Leinster Leader about the origins of her business: “So this time 20 years ago, we were coming home from Spain on our holidays, and as we drove through Rathangan, I saw a sign in O’Rourke’s window saying 'shop to let'. A vision grew in my head, and I phoned the number, and said I’d take it three weeks later on September 24.”

Known to all in Rathangan as simply “Natasha’s”, this family run business has become an integral part of the community.
On that first day, the doors opened at 8am, and by 11.30am they had sold almost all the stock.

“My beautiful mammy and daddy had to fly to the suppliers for more stock. My shop has grown from strength to strength throughout the years, but only because of the love and support from all my wonderful customers, and the help of my faithful staff, especially Bríd Kennedy and daddy, without whom I would not be still going. Now we have Sarah Swords and my daughters, Mollymai and Emily too.”

To celebrate her 20th anniversary in business, Natasha held a special party on September 28 with local DJ Karl Ruffley providing the entertainment.

Originally, the shop was located where Ma's Kitchen is now, before moving to a unit at Bridge Street 17 years ago.
It is jam packed with all kinds of items and if she hasn't got what you are looking for, Natasha will source it for you.
Similar to a haberdashery shop in America, the store stocks gifts, homeware, partyware, toiletries, stationary, toys, sweets, uniforms and school books.

Natasha has also been trained in balloon art and creates lots of stunning designs for all occasions.
It truly is a family business. Natasha’s dad, Kevin Malone continues his regular visits to the wholesalers, while Natasha’s husband also helps out behind the scenes.

Known for her contagious sense of humour and fun, Natasha dresses up every Halloween for the Bunscoil Bhride's Witches Walk and hands out lollipops to the children as they pass by, with a little help from her daughters, who she also encourages to get in the spooky spirit.

A Rathangan woman, born and bred, she also volunteers her time to help others including a recent stint with Foróige. She was on the girl's school's board of management for eight years, and is now on the parent's associations in both St Patrick's Boy's National School, and Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin.

The shop is also a meeting point where students can go if they miss their lift or bus home. They can come in, use the phone, make a cup of tea, and wait to be collected, which is invaluable as the dark evenings close in.

A big hit in recent years has been the Toy Show Goodie Bags. Last year, the shop sold 900 bags with orders already coming in fast for this year. Natasha also does Halloween boxes full of sweets.

The store is also a collection, drop off, and returns point for UPS, Fastway and DPD. Don't worry if you're not at home, get your package delivered to Natasha's instead. IKEA also deliver to the Rathangan business with a €2 charge for customers, much cheaper than getting it delivered to your home.

You can also pay your toll at Natasha's. Bills such as electricity can also be paid, and phone top ups are also available.
School uniforms are a huge part of the business with schools such as Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin, Bunscoil Bhride, Rathangan; St Patrick's Boys National School, Rathangan; St Brigid's Primary School, Kildare town; Kildare Town Community School, Gaescoil Mhic Aodha, Lackagh National School, Bracknagh National School and Allen National School all catered for.

“There were tough times throughout the years,” Natasha recalled, “The shop burned down 15 years ago. All the stock was burnt. We had to start everything from scratch and restock. We were closed for three weeks but we came back."

Covid was another challenging time. However, Natasha powered through with the support from all her customers, and is always the friendly face that greets everyone from behind the counter. Along with Bríd and Sarah, they provide a hugely valuable service to the town. You will also find a warm welcome at Natasha's.