Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers in Ireland

PROSPECTS

Outlet numbers expected to decline as retailers consolidate their position

Over the coming years, the number of apparel and footwear specialists in Ireland is expected to decline. This will be due to ever-increasing competition from other retail channels, especially internet retailers.

Penneys to buck current trends by staying away from internet retailing

While some retailers are expected to struggle due to the onset of internet retailing, other players such as Penneys are set to continue to flourish across Ireland. The retailer is expected to continue to optimise the correct product mix in its stores.

Brexit represents significant threat given presence of several UK retailers

Given several UK retailers operate within this channel, Brexit represents a significant challenge. With the 29 March 2019 deadline fast approaching and no deal currently in place, a lot of uncertainty faces Ireland.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Penneys (Primark) continues to see sales growth

Associated British Foods, which operates Penneys in Ireland, was the leading player in the channel in 2018. The company continues to go from strength to strength, utilising strong public relations, social media and paid partnerships with Irish social influencers such as Just Jordan.

Recently launched US brands falling out of favour with Irish consumers

There is a strong international presence in the apparel and footwear specialist channel in Ireland, with a significant number of players coming from the UK, continental Europe and also the US. US brands in Ireland have been struggling in recent years, with Forever 21 closing its single retail outlet in Ireland in 2017 and retailers Abercrombie and Fitch and Holister struggling for sales.

Victoria’s Secret opens first store

One of the most anticipated openings in the channel in the past year was the launch of Ireland’s first Victoria’s Secret store on Dublin’s Grafton Street. The store opened at a time when footfall on Dublin’s upmarket shopping street has been in decline due to competition from out of town shopping centres and also internet retailing.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.