Most of you are probably relieved that 2009 is now well and truly behind us, and are preparing for another tough year in the retail trade. However, 2010 might not be as hard as you think, with the majority of economists and industry experts predicting that Ireland will begin to creep out of recession towards the end of the year.

 

This year could be one of big change for the trade, however, with the news that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD is to introduce a code of practice for the retail trade, covering primarily retailer/supplier relationships, as well as the appointment of an ombudsman to oversee disputes in the sector. For the full story, see our special news report on Page 4.

 

It is not just Irish retail legislation which is changing, however. Today’s consumer is very different from the customer of just 18 months ago. The latest research into Irish shopping behaviour was revealed at the recent Efficient Consumer Response Ireland Conference, which makes for very interesting reading. See our comprehensive conference report on Page 16.

 

Also inside this issue, we talk to Damian O’Reilly from DIT’s School of Retail Management about the current state of Ireland’s retail industry, from streamlining the supply chain to the evolution of category management (Page 26). Damian discusses the big issues facing the sector in 2010 and predicts possible changes in the months and years ahead.

 

Elsewhere, Jean Smullen reports from the recent NOffLA Awards (Page 19), motoring correspondent Padraic Deane looks at the movers and shakers in the Commercial Transport sector (Page 34), while we’re also giving one lucky winner the chance to win a golfing weekend for two in Dundrum House Hotel Golf & Leisure Resort, Co. Tipperary, on Page 2.

 

 

Click here to read the full issue

 

5 - Kraft Acquires Cadbury; Barry Group Purchases Carry Out; Retailers Up Advertising Spend.

6 - Retailers Welcome Increased Fines for Tobacco Smuggling; The Benefits of Buying Local?

7 - Grocery Holding Its Own; Tesco Forecourt Sparks Controversy; Dunnes Stores Challenges Plastic Bag Levy.

 

14 The Cleary family’s MACE store in Dublin’s Clontarf has been transformed from a small local shop into a cutting edge convenience store.

 

16 Irish shopping behaviour has changed significantly as increased financial pressures impact. The recent ECR Ireland Conference explained the changing face of the Irish shopper.

 

19 Jean Smullen on the NOffLA Awards 2010, where Gibney’s of Malahide was once again named Off Licence of the Year.

26 In a wide-ranging interview, Damian O’Reilly from DIT’s School of Retail Management puts the current state of Ireland’s retail industry in perspective and predicts future changes.

30 When it comes to your news rack, niche titles are making their mark in 2010, with partworks proving particularly popular and profitable, writes Karen Meenan.

 

34 Motoring correspondent Padraic Deane examines the options in the commercial transport sector, from car-derived vans to heavy commercial vehicles.

 

40 All the latest news and gossip from the trade.

8 Industry News

38 Drinks News

39 What’s New

 

20   Paper Products

34 Commercial Transport