Ireland Needs To Protect Independent Retailers To Preserve Towns, Cities

The Irish government needs to prioritise the survival of Ireland’s independent retailers to maintain the health of the country’s towns and cities, according to Retail Excellence Ireland CEO Jean McCabe.

The head of the body representing the Irish retail industry told Bisnow that many retailers are facing an increasing burden of costs, including higher wages, soaring energy prices and rising fuel costs, all of which are impacting operators who are essentially small businesses.

“Ireland has so many independent retailers, and they really are the heart of our towns and cities, so it’s important we protect those for the health of those towns," McCabe said.

"In terms of any new retail developments, we also need to be mindful of the impact of potential schemes on local towns. There is balance to be struck, with smart planning to ensure growth and health of the overall retail environment." 

She stressed that while many increased costs were outside the remit of the state, the cumulative impact on retail and hospitality meant she believed the government should look to help bring down costs “where they can influence things.”

With retail sales up overall 1.2% in the 12 months to March of this year, according to the Central Statistics Office, McCabe said a number of retail chains are now struggling to find suitable space, especially for big-box retail, which is threatening to hamper expansion.

“In terms of international retail, Ireland has typically been a small market, but, more recently, we have seen on the one hand more overseas retailers opening in major cities but also domestic retailers doubling down on Irish provenance and supporting food and goods made in Ireland,” she added. Matalan is the latest to be linked to a move into the country.

“However, there has been a bifurcation, with retailers that don’t have a unique offer suffering.”

She also pointed to the power of brand Ireland at attracting tourists from around the world, especially the U.S and North America, and said it was vital for retailers to capitalise on this global reach.

McCabe is also a retailer, having owned boutique fashion brand Willow, based in Clare on Ireland’s west coast, for over 20 years.

"With the Ryder Cup and the co-hosting of the Euros, Ireland has a major opportunity ahead," she said. "Retailers and town centres need to be ready to capitalise — and that means a co-ordinated effort across industry, tourism bodies and local authorities to make sure visitors have a reason to spend on the high street, not just at the venues."