Following the economic boom of the 1990s, when retail sales growth often stood in double digits, mixed goods retailers in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) saw their sales growth slow to 2.3% in 2003. However, the economy remains robust and Mintel estimates that sector sales picked up in 2004, rising by 2.8%.

To their credit, mixed goods retailers’ have managed to keep apace with sales growth from all retailers and non-food retailers. Yet expansion activities have been very limited in RoI in recent years, partly reflecting the cautious attitude of the Irish operators. However, while many department stores have instead embarked upon refurbishment and modernisation programmes, 2005 will see two new department store operators enter the Irish market: House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols, both British businesses. In addition, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer have announced new store openings for the year. This may mark a trend towards more expansion of department store chains in RoI, in the mid-term.

Following the economic boom of the 1990s, when retail sales growth often stood in double digits, mixed goods retailers in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) saw their sales growth slow to 2.3% in 2003. However, the economy remains robust and Mintel estimates that sector sales picked up in 2004, rising by 2.8%.

To their credit, mixed goods retailers’ have managed to keep apace with sales growth from all retailers and non-food retailers. Yet expansion activities have been very limited in RoI in recent years, partly reflecting the cautious attitude of the Irish operators. However, while many department stores have instead embarked upon refurbishment and modernisation programmes, 2005 will see two new department store operators enter the Irish market: House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols, both British businesses. In addition, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer have announced new store openings for the year. This may mark a trend towards more expansion of department store chains in RoI, in the mid-term.

Using the latest market size data and trend analysis, this report provides vital new insight into the current state of the market and its prospects.

In addition, Mintel’s retail analysts provide an incisive review of the operational strengths, weaknesses and sales performance of the market’s leading retailers. Mintel’s findings offer you a unique way of understanding the prospects for department store retailers in Ireland, enabling you to accurately evaluate the market for successful investment strategies. Use Mintel’s research to avoid market pitfalls, discover sector opportunities, identify growth potential and achieve the best possible results.

"Department Store retailing in Ireland" is part of "Department Store retailing in Europe", a Retail Intelligence title. Should you wish to order more than one market report from with the title, please call the Mintel Information Team to discuss potential multiple-purchase discounts.