Tag Archives: Retail Excellence Ireland

THE new Managing Director of Ennis-based Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) has issued an appeal to shop owners to come forward and avail of supports to help their businesses survive and thrive in the turbulent environment created by the pandemic. Duncan Graham, a Nottingham native, who takes the helm from David Fitzsimons, noted that the last three to four months has seen five year’s worth of transition in the retail sector – with the most notable change being the acceleration from bricks-and-mortar to multi-platform retailing. Against that backdrop, Mr Graham sees a number of opportunities, not only in the move to online channels, but the new awareness among consumers of what smaller, local retailers can offer. Having lived and worked in Ireland for the last 24 years, Mr Duncan has experience with some of the country’s leading retailers. “I came to Ireland with Marks and Spencers,” he explained. “I’m a retailer through and through.” Also on his impressive CV are a …

ENNIS has been named as one of the five finalists vying to be named Ireland’s Friendliest Place. The county capital has passed through a rigorous auditing process with Ennis based retailers assessed by mystery shoppers testing service standards in the town. In 2017 Ennis secured the coveted title and hopes are high for a repeat win. Ennis is up against Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim, Cork City, Limerick City and Naas. Retail Excellence, the largest retail industry representative organization in Ireland, will announce the winner at a black-tie awards banquet on Saturday, November 9 in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney. The Friendliest Place competition is the central part of the Retail Excellence Annual Awards, which were established in 1997 to promote best practice and encourage the highest standards in the Irish retail industry. David Fitzsimons, Group Chief Executive of Retail Excellence commented “All five finalist places have beaten intense competition to make finalist status. County Councils have nominated local retail businesses who …

AN all-island summit with the main aim of helping resource our towns and villages to regenerate and grow is set to take place on October 18 in Sligo. The “Future of Towns Summit 2017”, hosted by Bobby Kerr, brings together thought leaders in town regeneration, government departments, local authorities, tourism, business associations and community groups from right across the island of Ireland. Local Councillor Ann Norton, will be speaking at the summit and will outline how a collaborative working relationship between Clare County Council, elected members, businesses and the local community has guided the development of Ennis and its environs in terms of economic development, recreational and community requirements, as well as residential, retail, transport and infrastructural needs. The seminar will also be addressed by Ennis-based David Fitzsimons of Retail Excellence Ireland.

Retail Excellence Ireland  (REI) has called on the Government to deliver on the call from the National Competitiveness Council to publish the Attorney General’s determination on why Upwards Only Rent Reviews (UORRs) should not be abolished. Ennis-based, David Fitzsimons, CEO of REI, said, “This Government reneged on previous commitments to abolish UORRs. They based this decision on a determination from the Attorney General. We note the NCC’s call for this determination to be published. This would help inform the debate and enable all sides to understand why the Government reneged on its commitments.” Mr Fitzsimons said many retailers employing too many staff , are being crucified by the legacy of UORR on leases some of which last for 20-25 years and are tied to personal guarantees. “Following a review of the determination, there could be scope for better informed decisions on how this toxic legacy of the Celtic Tiger can finally be put to bed,” he said.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, on  Wednesday evening, was on hand to help launch Retail Excellence Ireland’s (REI) Small Business Saturday in Ireland. Retail Ireland’s CEO, Ennis-based David Fitzsimons, said “This is a campaign which profiles small business and encourages consumers to shop locally and support jobs and enterprises in their respective communities. It is a social media and marketing campaign that provides local businesses with the collateral that they need to inform consumers on the power of their local spend.” Small Business Saturday started as a grassroots, non-political, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year. In 2014, that is Saturday December 6. In September 2014, REI launched a Rural Town Revival document to provide guidance and motivation to stakeholders in all of Ireland’s towns and villages to work together collaboratively to design and implement a plan …