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 -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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7 AugustHealth & Beauty
The Body Shop hires ex-L’Occitane MD to lead brand strategy
The Body Shop has announced the appointment of former L’Occitane managing director, Alia Sirina Hawa, to the role of chief commercial and brand officer, as the beauty retailer looks to grow under new ownership. Hawa, who has just joined the group this August, brings more than 15 years of experience…
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6 AugustPeople Moves
Sainsbury’s announces leadership changes to drive Next Level strategy
Sainsbury’s has announced significant changes to its operating board in a bid to further strengthen leadership across customer experience, technology, commercial and sustainability, and support delivery and acceleration of its ‘Next Level’ strategy. The move sees Tracey Clements appointed to the operating board as chief retail, logistics and supply chain…
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Jul- 2025 -31 JulyHigh Street
Card Factory opens 1,100th store at Cheshunt retail park
Card Factory has opened its 1,100th high street store in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, as the greetings card and gift retailer expands its national footprint. The new outlet, based at Brookfield Retail Park, welcomed its first customers on 31 July and has created 12 local jobs. Regional manager Maureen Wheele led the…
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29 JulyHealth & Beauty
Rituals opens new store at Manchester Airport
Luxury beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals has opened a new store at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, with a second location due to follow on 28 July. The launch forms part of the brand’s continued investment in Greater Manchester and its UK expansion strategy, aimed at reaching more consumers in high-footfall…
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