Tag: retail

Selfridges have bought Arnotts department store

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

UK Group Selfridges have acquired Arnotts department store for an undisclosed fee. Founded in 1843, the iconic retail store that resides on Henry Street North Dublin, is now under the ownership of Canadian businessman Galen Weston and his wife Hilary.

Arnotts is Ireland’s largest department store and its sale has been under intense speculation for a number of months. Weston also boasts Brown Thomas amongst his retail portfolio, as well as a number of International department stores.

The sale is part of a wider agreement which saw an agreement Fitzwilliam Finance Partners between and Wittington Canada. The former was set up in 2011 by Irish lawyer and developer Noel Smyth, whose intention was to acquire the debts associated with Arnotts debt. Wittington Canada is the holding company for the Weston group. The purchase of these loans by Wittington Canada from Fitzwilliam Finance Partners was cleared by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in August, clearing the way for the acquisition.

Arnotts chief executive Ray Hernan will step down as chief executive to “pursue new opportunities” with Selfridges appointing Donald McDonald as managing director of the business. Mr Weston said of the sale “Our family has been a significant investor in Irish retailing and the wider economy since we acquired Brown Thomas in 1971.”

 

Aldi to launch music streaming service to rival Spotify

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Discount Grocery Retailer Aldi will launch a music streaming service on the German market. Collaborating with Napster, ‘Aldi Life Musik’ will have unlimited access to Napsters extensive music library for €7.99 a month.

The new music service which launches today (September 24th) is a paid only service, with no free option. The service is the first of its kind on the German market and features 34 million songs, ready to go playlists, radio stations and audiobooks. Music streaming revenue in Germany rose by 87% for in the first half of this year, versus last year.

Greggs is coming to Ireland

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

A powerhouse throughout the UK, Greggs have announced they will open their first Irish store in The Republic. Most known for their expansive fresh offerings of pastries, sandwiches, sausage rolls, breads and snacks, Greggs will open in a Dublin Applegreen Service Station.

Greggs have more stores in the UK than fast food giant McDonalds, typifying its popularity amongst British consumers. Recently a Greggs opened on the M2 at a service station close to Belfast.

Source: http://www.thejournal.ie/greggs-ireland-new-menu-pastries-2333397-Sep2015/

Lloyds pharmacy’s to buy McCauley Chemists

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Llyoyds pharmacy, which formerly operated as Doc Morris looks set to buy out the McCauley Chemist group across Ireland. A report by the Sunday Times suggests, Lloyds pharmacy will looks to strengthen their Irish operations by buying 28 stores that McCauley operate nationwide.

Again, according to reports, the takeover is believed to be worth around €40 – €50 million and are in an advanced stage of talks. Lloyds currently have 93 stores across the country and are already the largest pharmacy group in Ireland.

Source: http://www.thejournal.ie/lloyds-mccauleys-2329159-Sep2015/

Primark in the USA | 1 Day to go

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Primark is one of our favourite Retailers in Excel Recruitment. As well as recruiting for them, we adore the fashion and value for money concepts that spreads through a range of divisions. Their leap towards beauty, with salons in selected stores saw them establish themselves as one of the most innovative and progressive retailers. Their opening in Boston on September 10th will see them make retail history. We trawled through Instagram with the #PrimarkUSA hashtag to bring you the most exciting photos as they prepare to launch. Best of luck from everyone in Excel Recruitment.

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All images found under the #primarkusa hashtag with a total of 368 images.

Instagram Sources: @primark, @lj.preston, @birdy.fashion, @jaynebibby, @its_justme_j, @diwali2512, @wendug,

Musgrave get the clear for €57 million deal to sell UK division

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Irish Retail giant Musgrave have received regulatory clearance to sell its UK operations. It is believed that the deal will be worth around €57 million and will be sold to a rival UK wholesale giant Booker. Musgraves, which is based in Cork operate the Budgens and Londis brands and have close to 1800 across the UK.

Booker is the UK’s biggest cash and carry operator and the deal have been cleared by the Competitions and Market Authority. It will be sold on a cash free and debt free basis. The acquisition is set to be complete in and around September 14th.

Musgrave currently own and operate the Supervalu brand in Ireland. In a statement, Musgraves said ‘’ “Musgrave Group today noted the decision of the UK Competition and Markets Authority to approve the sale of Musgrave GB to Booker Group PLC. Musgrave Group will now move to complete the transaction with Booker.”

Booker commented “We are pleased that the acquisition of Londis and Budgens has been cleared by the CMA. This will help strengthen our support for independent retailers throughout Great Britain.”

Source: http://www.independent.ie/business/supervalu-owner-musgrave-gets-green-light-for-57m-deal-to-sell-uk-division-31498934.html

‘Toys R Us’ pick sites for their Irish Sites

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Toys R Us have leased units at Westend Retail Park in Blanchardstown, Dublin and Parkway Retail Park in Limerick. With more than 1,500 stores across 33 countries and more than 50 retail outlets across the UK, this is the Toy Retailers first venture in the Republic.

Annual rent is believed to be €325,000 in Dublin for a 10,000 sq. ft unit and €200,000 in Limerick for 17,800 sq ft unit. Altogether, Toys R Us plan to open 10 stores across Ireland. Westend Retail Park was developed and run by the Cosgrave Group until it was sold along with other high-value property assets by Nama.

Source: http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/toys-r-us-leases-shops-in-dublin-and-limerick-1.2328313

Fitzwilliam given go ahead to purchase Arnott’s stake

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Fitzwilliam Finance Partners have stated that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have approve the outright purchase of the Arnott’s group. In May of this year, Fitzwilliam said they had reached agreement to acquire 50% in Arnotts, which is owned by rival bidder Apoll, a US investor.

Noel Smyth & Partners, who are owners of The Fitzwilliam Finance Partners said that following approval from the Competition Authority, Fitzwilliam will complete the formalities of acquiring the Apollo interest over the forthcoming weeks.

“It is our core objective to maintain the iconic brand of Arnotts which is synonymous with retailing in Dublin city centre and to build on this landmark brand,” he said.

Source: http://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/fitzwilliam-gets-approval-to-buy-arnotts-1.2324846

The Best Shops in Ireland: The Shortlist

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Best Food/drink shop

George’s Fish Shop, Monkstown Farm, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Sheridans Cheese, 11 South Anne St, D2.

Gusto d’Italia 30 William Street, Limerick.

Roy Fox, 49 A Main Street, Donnybrook, D 4.

Fallon & Byrne, 11-17 Exchequer Street, D2.

Select Stores, 1 Railway Rod, Dalkey, Co Dublin.

Blackrock Cellar, 23 Rock Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin.

Ardkeen Quality Food, Dunmore Road, Waterford, Co Waterford.

64 Wine, 64 Glasthule Road, Glenageary, Co Dublin.

Wines Direct, 9 Lough Sheever Park, Mullingar.

Toons Bridge Dairy Shop, Toons Bridge, Co Cork.

Caviston’s Glasthule Road, Co Dublin.

James Whelan Butcher, Various locations.

 

Best fashion store

Samui Fashions, 17 Drawbridge Street, Cork.

Muse, 92 The Quay, Waterford.

Gallery 9, 2 Poplar House, Sallins Road, Naas, Co Kildare.

Style Ikon, 18a The Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin.

EJ Menswear, 11 Grattan Street, Sligo.

Edward Donnellan & Co, Main Street, Roscommon, Co Roscommon.

Frewen & Aylward, 44 George’s Street Lower, Dún Laoghaire.

Folkster, 27 Patrick Street, Kilkenny .

Nowhere, 64 Aungier Street, Dublin 2.

Envoy of Belfast, 4 Wellington Street, Belfast, Co Antrim.

Vanilla Fermoy, Co Cork.

Om Diva, 27 Drury Street, D2

 

Best specialist shop

Knobs & Knockers, 19 Nassau Street, D2.

Hang Tough, 7b South Richmond Street, D8.

Amphibian King, Raven Hall, Upper Dargle Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.

Cloon Keen Atelier, 21a High Street, Galway.

The Rathgar Bookshop, 100 Rathgar Road, Rathgar, D6.

Right Click, 70 Camden Street, D2.

Susan Hunter Lingerie, 13 Westbury Mall, Grafton Street, D2.

The Rock Shop, Derreen, Liscannor, Co Clare.

Big Bang Comics, Sandyford Road, Dundrum, D14.

 

 

Best café/teashop

Hazel Mountain Chocolate, Oughtmama, Co Clare.

Queen of Tarts , Cow’s Lane, D2

Nick’s Coffee, Main Street, Ranelagh, D6.

Pudding Row, Main Street, Easkey, Co Sligo.

Clement & Pekoe, 50 South William St, D2.

The Fumbally, Fumbally Lane, D8.

Cupán Tae, 8 Quay Lane, Galway.

Firehouse Bakery, Old Delgany Inn, Delgany, Co Wicklow.

Glebe Gardens and Cafe, Baltimore, Co Cork

Shells Café and Little Shop, The Seafront, Strandhill, Co Sligo.

 

 

Best newcomer

Kiln & Loom, 287 Ormeau Road, Belfast, Co Antrim.

RunLogic, Smock Alley Court, Essex Street West, Temple Bar D2.

Whelehan’s Wines, Silver Tassie, Bray Road, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.

Finn McCool Surf Shop, Rossknowlagh, Co Donegal

Lotts & Co, 7 South Lotts Road, D4.

Camerino, 158 Capel Street, D1.

Castle & Drury, 6 Castle Market, D2.

Scrumdiddlys, Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Sister Sadie, 45 Harrington Street, D8.

Ballymaguire Food to create 100 new full time jobs

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Ballymaguire Foods will create 100 new full time permanent jobs in Lusk, North Dublin. The largest Frozen Ready Meal provider in the country will also create 100 temporary jobs during the construction phase. The state of the art 70,000 sq. ft plant will bring an additional €4 million to the local economy.

Ballymaguire currently employ 150 staff and are the largest producer of chilled ready meals in Ireland. The will be recruiting sales and marketing professionals, food scientists and technicians, research and development, chefs and general operatives over the forthcoming months. The company was founded in 2008 and clients include Tesco, Lidl, SuperValu and Centra.

Ballymaguire, which is fully Irish owned have approx. 80 different offerings. Director Managing Ed Spelman said: Our production capability will now grow to over 500,000 meals per week and this will mainly be used to fuel the opportunities we see in the UK and add to our existing business there. We managed to buck the trend during the recession, as we used it to find new opportunities and successfully grow.