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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Apr- 2020 -23 AprilClothing & Shoes
Gordon Brothers rescues Laura Ashley from administration
Embattled retailer Laura Ashley has been rescued from administration by global investment firm Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed sum. Gordon Brothers revealed it has acquired the global Laura Ashley brand, archives, and related intellectual property from the Laura Ashley group’s administrators PwC. Ramez Toubassy, president of brands for Gordon Brothers…
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9 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams enters administration
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has officially entered administration, and has appointed Geoff Rowley and Alastair Massey of FRP Advisory to handle the process. The group said it has entered administration to “protect Debenhams in the UK from the threat of legal action” that could have the effect of pushing…
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6 AprilCoronavirus
Debenhams appoints FRP as administrator
Debenhams has announced its intent to appoint an administrator in order to “protect” the business from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak. It is believed the move will work to prevent liquidation while its 142 UK stores remain closed in line with government advice amid the ongoing pandemic. The news closely…
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6 AprilSupermarkets
Aldi Ireland appoints Niall O’Connor as group managing director
Aldi Ireland has announced the appointment of Niall O’Connor as its new group managing director (GMD). O’Connor will be responsible for all of Aldi’s activities in Ireland, including its multi-million-euro store-opening programme and Irish buying office. He has been a senior executive with Aldi in Ireland for almost 20 years…
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Mar- 2020 -31 MarchHigh Street
Poundland to temporarily close 32 UK stores amid Covid-19 outbreak
Discount retailer Poundland has announced the temporary closure of 32 of its stores amid the Covid-19 virus outbreak, resulting in staff receiving 80% of their average earnings due to the government’s Jobs Retention Scheme. Shop workers’ trade union Usdaw said the retailer is asking employees to voluntarily agree to be…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Asos ‘playing Russian roulette’ with employees, says GMB Union
Asos has been accused of “playing Russian roulette with people’s lives” by the GMB Union, one of the largest trade unions in the UK and Ireland. The union claims that social distancing has not been enforced in the fashion retailer’s “packed” warehouses amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is now calling…
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25 MarchHigh Street
New Look asks landlords for three-month rent holiday
High street fashion retailer New Look has asked its landlords for a three month rent holiday as it looks to reduce costs during the coronavirus outbreak. In a trading update, the retailer revealed a series of measures focused on preserving cash, maximising liquidity, managing working capital. The measures include: Significantly…
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20 MarchHigh Street
Ikea to temporarily shutter all UK stores amid Covid-19 pandemic
Ikea UK and Ireland has said it will temporarily close its stores to customers at 6pm on Friday 20 March, as a “precautionary measure” against the ongoing risk of Covid-19. In line with recommendations from local authorities, the retailer said it had already put additional precautionary measures in place, including…
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19 MarchAnalysis
Huge increase in online sales across Italy offers hope for struggling retailers in the UK and Ireland
Global financial markets continue to suffer from the impact of coronavirus, with economists predicting the slowest rate of global growth since 2009. However, the current lockdown taking place in Italy has actually instigated a significant boom in e-commerce sales. With people quarantined at home, and schools, universities, theatres, cinemas, museums,…
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Feb- 2020 -27 FebruaryDIY
Homebase turnaround bears fruit as it returns to profit
DIY retailer Homebase said it has “returned to profit ahead of plan” in its latest trading update, recording profits of £3.2m in 2019, compared with a loss of £114.5m in 2018. As a result, Homebase said the proposed completion of its CVA is likely to conclude 18-months ahead of schedule,…
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