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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Feb- 2025 -21 FebruarySupermarkets
Aldi to increase store assistants’ pay from March
Aldi has announced a new pay rise for its store assistants from 1 March, with hourly rates increasing to at least £12.75, maintaining Aldi’s position as Britain’s best-paying supermarket. The new minimum rate, which increases to £14.05 within the M25, exceeds the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage…
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21 FebruaryHigh Street
Primark to open first standalone homewares store in March
Primark has announced that it is set to open its first standalone homewares store in Belfast on 6 March 2025. The 8,700 sq ft one floor store is located in the iconic Fountain House building on Donegall Place in Belfast. Primark’s homeware offering will move out of the Bank Buildings,…
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20 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Quiz appoints administrators, 200 jobs lost
Quiz has confirmed it has called in administrators, in a move that will result in the closure of 23 “loss-making or unsustainable” stores amid ongoing trading challenges for the group.According to Sky News, the move will result in the loss of around 200 jobs following the closures. Advisory firm Teneo…
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11 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-11/2/25
Fast fashion giant Shein has scrapped plans to open a UK warehouse in the Midlands, initially intended to support its anticipated £50bn London Stock Exchange listing. The company had explored sites in Derby, Coventry, and other locations but confirmed no immediate need for a UK facility. The decision follows mounting…
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11 FebruaryDepartment Stores
Dunelm CEO to retire amid strong H1 trading
Dunelm CEO Nick Wilkinson is set to retire from his position following seven years in the role as Dunelm announced strong trading for the first half of the year. The company saw its total sales rise 2.4% to £893.7m, up from £872.5m in the same period last year, during the…
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6 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-6/2/25
Tesco is reportedly considering a takeover of over 100 Crown Post Office branches, potentially safeguarding them from closure as the state-owned Post Office reviews its directly managed network. Post Office chairman Nigel Railton informed MPs that Tesco expressed interest in acquiring the loss-making branches, part of a broader strategic review…
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6 FebruarySupermarkets
M&S backs Starmer’s bid for closer EU relations
M&S has backed Keir Starmer’s call for closer ties with the EU and an end to “Brexit bureaucracy”, The Telegraph has reported. Speaking to the paper, M&S head of food Alex Freudmann urged the prime minister to “move with pace to remove the red tape governing trade across the Irish…
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4 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-4/2/25
Shein’s planned £50bn London IPO is under threat due to potential US tariff reforms and ongoing allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ tax rule—which allows duty-free imports of small packages under $800 from China, Canada, and Mexico—could significantly…
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4 FebruaryPeople Moves
HMV appoints new commercial director and head of marketing
HMV has appointed David Athey to the new role of commercial director and Kate Longbottom as the new head of marketing. The two new roles have been created as Patrizia Leighton, HMV’s marketing and commercial director, has decided to leave the business after a 12-year career at the retailer. Athey…
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4 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Mango to open 20 new UK stores in 2025
Mango has announced that it is aiming to open 20 new UK stores in 2025 as part of its 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. The plan will concentrate in London, with six openings, as well as central England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the arrival in Cardiff. One of the company’s six openings…
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