Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers in Ireland

PROSPECTS

Outlet numbers expected to decline as many retailers concentrate on e-commerce

Apparel and footwear specialist retailers saw another year of strong current value growth in 2019, although outlet numbers continued to decline. Due to the ever-increasing competition from other retail channels, especially e-commerce, over the forecast period the number of apparel and footwear specialists in Ireland is expected to continue to decline, although despite this, current value sales are expected to continue to rise.

Penneys bucks the trend by not offering e-commerce

Nevertheless, whilst some retailers are expected to struggle due to the growth of e-commerce and their lack of involvement, other players, such as Penneys from Primark Stores, are set to continue to flourish across Ireland. This retailer is expected to continue to optimise the product mix in its stores.

Brexit could represent a threat, given the presence of several UK retailers

Given that several UK retailers operate within this channel, such as River Island, Schuh and New Look, Brexit could represent a significant challenge. A great deal of uncertainty faces Ireland, with negotiations still underway in terms of what the relationship between the UK and the EU will look like.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Penneys from Primark Stores continues to see growth despite no new outlets

Primark Stores, which operates the Penneys retail fascia in Ireland, was the leading player in apparel and footwear specialist retailers in 2019, and celebrated its 50th year in Ireland. It continued to see dynamic value sales and share growth in 2019, despite no new outlet openings.

Victoria’s Secret opens its first store, but other US retail brands struggle

One of the most anticipated openings in apparel and footwear specialist retailers at the end of the review period 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 had been in decline due to the competition from out-of-town shopping centres and e-commerce.

The ups and downs of European players

There is a strong European presence in apparel and footwear specialist retailers in Ireland, with a significant number of players coming from the UK and continental Europe. However, very different performances are being seen.

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