Mr.PRICE wins Advancing Disability Equality Award

Mr.PRICE have won the Advancing Disability Equality Award at National Diversity Inclusion Awards (NDIA) 2023. This was the NDIA’s first awards ceremony, which featured finalists across several sectors. Mr.PRICE are the first ever retailer to win this prestigious award. This award was made possible with their partnership with Rehab Group and National Learning Network. The aim of the partnership is to increase the employment rates of people with disabilities in every county. In Ireland, a person with a disability is just over half as likely to be employed as a non-disabled peer, according to a study published by IBEC. Ireland’s rate of employment amongst people with disabilities the 4th lowest in Europe.

Nesprsso unveils new location in Dundrum Town Centre

Nespresso recently opened their newest boutique location in the awardwinning Dundrum Town Centre. Located on Level 1, the newly designed open boutique is a direct response to the continued growing appetite for premium quality coffee. It will allow customers the opportunity to explore all -things coffee through Nespresso’s immersive, sensory and personalised experience. The store features an extended gallery showcasing their machines and bespoke accessorises, as well as a new dedicated tasting bar, with a team of highly-skilled coffee specialists.

Expo shines spotlight on Clare’s Artisan Food & local craft suppliers

“The Expo was not only about introducing Clare’s rich array of quality suppliers to new customers and retail buyers, but it also afforded them a unique opportunity to learn how they can expand their market and further improve their marketing techniques an age of increased competition in the marketplace,” said Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC. Supported by the Clare Local Enterprise Office, Clare County Council and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher

UNESCO Global Geopark, the inaugural Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Expo was attended by more than 3,000 people and featured 24 local craft suppliers and 50 quality local, regional, and national trade buyers from all over Ireland.

Boots Ireland opens two new Dublin stores

Boots Ireland has announced the opening of two new stores in Dublin, in Harold’s Cross and Deansgrange in Dublin. As part of the pharmacy chain’s continued investment into the growth and expansion of stores around the country, the two store openings bring the total number of Boots stores in the Republic of Ireland to 93.

Stocktaking.ie’s charity partnership extended for 2023

Stocktaking.ie, Ireland’s leading stocktaking company, are once again supporting Cancer Fund for Children, Daisy Lodge Mayo for 2023. They also recently donated a cheque for moneys raised in 2022. The lodge is a dedicated therapeutic short break facility in Cong for children (and their families) across Ireland diagnosed with cancer. “A new Daisy Lodge Mayo will help more than double the number of children and parents supported by Cancer Fund for Children from 1,800 to 4,000, ensuring that no family in Ireland faces childhood cancer alone,” said Stocktaking. ie Business Development Manager Sharon Kelly.

Nike to open ‘Nike Live’ outlet in Dundrum Town Centre

Nike is set to open a new store in Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin this summer. The new ‘Nike Live’ outlet - the first of its kind in Ireland - will have a range of in-store experiences and tailored offerings, as well as a curated assortment of sport performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. “This concept will offer an interactive, customised retail offering to customers hungry for quality sportswear. We’re excited to see how our customers respond to this innovative new concept,” Dundrum Town Centre Manager Connor Owens said.

Wexford to Raise The Roof on outdoor hospitality

Monck Street, one of Wexford town’s most popular night spots, will have a retractable roof stretching over its entire length in time for the June bank holiday weekend after a contract was awarded for the work. Wexford District Manager Angela Laffan confirmed the news and said the all-weather canopy will add a new dimension to the town’s outdoor dining facilities. “It will be a great addition to the town. The plan is to have it finished in June for the tourist season.”

Double win for TapCreative at Fit Out Awards 2022

TapCreative stood out amongst key industry players at the recent Fit Out Awards 2022, where the best of design, functionality, and innovation were celebrated. They took home the trophy for Practice of the Year 2022, and one of their Designers, Conor Dunne was also given FitOut’s Designer of the Year - Rising Star award. “The Fit Out Awards celebrate the best of the best in the industry. Being recognised among such industry greats is significant for us. A testimony to our clients for believing in us and our team’s fantastic work. I’m extremely proud of the team and Conor, a true star in every way,” said Niamh Higgins, Managing Director, TapCreative.

Waterford to be transformed by €170m North Quays project

A €170m investment in Waterford’s long-awaited North Quays project will prove “transformative” for Ireland’s oldest city. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the North Quays project reflected the Government’s determination to ensure the development of regional cities like Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway was accelerated. It will include a 15-storey hotel and conference centre, twin blocks of office space rising to seven storeys, 300 apartments in five structures varying between seven to 17 storeys in height as well as a major open public amenity space.

Excel Recruitment to create 100 new jobs

Excel Recruitment has announced plans to create 100 new roles over the next 12 months. The recruitment agency grew its office footprint by 25% after opening a new 5,000 sq. ft office on Capel Street in Dublin, and it recently furthered its network with the opening of an office in Belfast. The firm also has offices in Kildare, Cork and Galway. “We have doubled our growth every year for the last three years, despite the challenges of Covid,” said founder and CEO Barry Whelan.

Homestore + More to open new store in Frascati Shopping Centre

Irish homeware retailer Homestore and More is to open for business at the Frascati Centre in Blackrock in May. The new outlet, the company’s 24th in Ireland, will be located in the basement level of the former Debenhams unit. The store will be the retailer’s first shopping centre presence – it traditionally trades in retail park locations. The former Debenhams store, located on the ground and lower ground floor of the Frascati Centre, has been vacant since the UK-headquartered chain went into liquidation back in 2020.

Ahead of REI’s Retail Retreat in May, we profile a selection of speakers you’ll have the chance to see at the event