Ireland
This coverage focuses on retail trends, developments, and performance in Ireland, with attention to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Reporting includes store activity, regional economic factors, consumer behaviour, property developments, and strategic moves by local and international retailers. Tailored for executives and managers, it offers insights into operating successfully in Ireland’s retail market.
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Aug- 2025 -29 AugustHealth & Beauty
Boots ‘well positioned’ for future growth amid Sycamore acquisition
The Boots Group has claimed it is “well positioned” for future growth as a private standalone company following the acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance by Sycamore Partners, completed in partnership with Stefano Pessina and his family, who have reinvested their full stake. As part of the separation, Walgreens, Boots, Shields…
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27 AugustSupermarkets
Co-op expands health and wellbeing range with new H&B tie-up
Co-op has partnered with Holland and Barrett to launch a new health and wellbeing offer across 125 convenience stores from today (27 August). The new range, housed in dedicated “health and wellness” bays, will include 52 product lines such as vitamins and supplements, with a focus on gut health, family…
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26 AugustHigh Street
Business rates ‘double hit’ to cost English firms £2.5bn
Businesses the length and breadth of England are “staring down the barrel” of a £2.5bn hike in property taxes from April 2026, as inflation and a new government stealth tax will combine to drive up business rates bills, according to analysis by global tax firm Ryan. A nationwide revaluation of…
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22 AugustSupermarkets
Co-op launches ‘tap to join’ memberships
Co-op has announced the introduction of ”tap to join” memberships on its new electronic shelf labels. The NFC technology utilised on the electronic shelf edge label directs the shopper to Co-op’s membership webpage via their own mobile phone where they can sign-up. Co-op confirmed earlier this year that it had…
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18 AugustHigh Street
Waterstones to open 10 new stores a year amid BookTok craze
Waterstones has revealed that it is opening 10 new stores a year as it looks to capitalise on social media trends such as BookTok leading to more young people reading. The retailer which owns the Waterstones, Foyles, Hatchards and Blackwell’s brands told The Guardian that its sales were up 5%…
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15 AugustOnline & Digital
WH Smith completes Funky Pigeon sale
WH Smith has confirmed that it has completed the sale of Funky Pigeon to Card Factory for £24m. Following the disposal, WH Smith has stated that it has completed its move to becoming a pure play global travel retailer. As a result of this deal Card Factory is now the…
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13 AugustClothing & Shoes
Claire’s on brink of collapse, 2,150 jobs at risk
Claire’s has appointed administrators in the UK as the jewellery retailer nears collapse, with around 2,150 jobs at risk. Interpath Advisory confirmed that Will Wright and Chris Pole have been appointed as joint administrators, and will “assess options for the business” while all stores continue trading. They will seek a…
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12 AugustHigh Street
Waterstones secures £125m to fund growth
Waterstones has secured £125m in syndicated financing to support its operations and expansion plans. The UK-based bookseller said the package, jointly arranged by Barclays UK Corporate Bank and HSBC UK Bank, includes a £75m term loan and a £50m revolving credit facility. The funding will go towards the company’s ongoing…
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8 AugustEconomy
Footfall declines in July for second consecutive year
UK footfall fell by 0.4% year on year in July, according to data from the British Retail Consortium–Sensormatic IQ, marking a second consecutive year of decline for the month. The figure was a slight improvement on June’s 1.8% fall. High street footfall declined by 1.7%, compared with a 3.0% drop…
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7 AugustEconomy
Luxury loses momentum as midmarket braces for impact, Colliers finds
Luxury and midmarket retailers across EMEA are recalibrating strategies in response to a cooling post-pandemic retail environment, according to a report from Colliers. Colliers found that after years of price-led growth, luxury retail is showing signs of fatigue. Brands such as Kering and Chanel reported revenue declines in 2024, while…
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