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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Jan- 2025 -23 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-23/1/25
Primark has revised its sales forecast for 2025 downwards following a challenging autumn trading period in the UK and Ireland. The company reported a 6% decline in like-for-like sales in these regions, largely attributed to cautious consumer sentiment and mild weather affecting seasonal clothing purchases. Despite a modest recovery during…
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23 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Primark lowers FY guidance amid weak UK autumn trading
Primark has lowered its sales outlook for 2025 after the UK reported weak sales amid a “challenging retail environment” over the autumn period. In the UK and Ireland, which accounted for 45% of trading, like-for-like sales fell by 6% in the 16 weeks to 4 January 2025. In the UK…
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22 JanuaryComment
Simon Bell: The rise of ethical retail
Simon Bell, CEO and co-founder of Immaculate Vegan, embodies a rare combination of creative vision and strategic acumen. With a career spanning over three decades in marketing, digital innovation, and e-commerce, Bell has taken his passion for sustainability and ethics to create a premium vegan marketplace. In this feature, Bell…
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22 JanuaryHigh Street
Flying Tiger Copenhagen to open new store at Trafford Centre
Danish variety store Flying Tiger Copenhagen will open a new store at Trafford Centre on 14 February. The new 1,500 sq ft store, located on Upper Peel Avenue, will feature the brand’s core ranges alongside its seasonal love-themed products range to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The shop will mark the brand’s…
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22 JanuaryHigh Street
Waterstones profits quadruple to £43m as office workers return
Waterstones has seen pre-tax profits rise from £11.2m to £42.9m in the year to 27 April 2024, whilst reporting a 16% sales rise to £528.4m. It comes as Waterstones experienced “encouraging” growth in London and other metropolitan city centres, as tourist numbers increased and workers returned to offices. The retailer’s…
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21 JanuaryPeople Moves
Aldi increases staff pay to highest hourly rate for supermarket workers
Aldi has announced its store assistants are set to receive a pay rise with hourly rates increasing to at least £12.71, maintaining its position as “Britain’s best paying supermarket”. The new minimum rate, which increases to £14.00 within the M25, exceeds the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage…
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16 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-16/1/25
The UK economy experienced modest growth in November 2024, with GDP rising by 0.1% following two months of decline. This upturn was driven by a 0.1% increase in services output, primarily bolstered by a 2% rise in accommodation and food services. Consumer-facing services grew by 0.5%, while wholesale and retail…
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16 JanuaryDepartment Stores
Dunelm revenues rise due to online sales
Dunelm has seen its revenues rise 1.6% to £490m for the 13 weeks ended 28 December, and 2.4% to £894m for the first half overall. The retailer stated that this was driven by a 3% uplift in online sales across both periods. It also stated that ecommerce represented 39% of…
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15 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/1/25
Inflation in the UK unexpectedly fell to 2.5% in December, marking its first decline in three months, according to the ONS. The decrease, attributed to reduced hotel and tobacco prices despite rising fuel costs, exceeded expectations, as analysts had predicted inflation would remain steady at 2.6%. While inflation remains above…
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15 JanuaryElectrical
Currys raises profit outlook amid ‘strong peak trading’
Currys has revealed that it expects its profit-before-tax to land between £145-155m for the full year, 23-31% ahead of consensus expectations. It comes after the company saw its revenues rise 2% like-for-like in the UK and Ireland in the 10 weeks ended 4 January, what the company refers to as…
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