UK retail exhibition heading for Dublin

The recovery in the Irish retail market has prompted a UK company to bring one of Britain’s largest retail and leisure property exhibitions to Dublin for the first time. The “Completely Retail & Leisure Marketplace Ireland” to be staged at the CHQ building on George’s Dock on Tuesday, 24th February, will bring together UK and Irish retailers, property companies and agents to discuss a range of leasing and investment opportunities in Ireland.

More than 300 retailers will be in attendance including 200 representatives from UK retailers with an interest in establishing or expanding in Ireland.

Savills are one of the core sponsors and the company's head of commercial, Larry Brennan, says Ireland's economic recovery is having a positive knock-on effect on the retail sector.

"Strong employment growth is positively influencing consumer sentiment and retail sales are continuing on an upward trajectory. As a consequence, retailers are engaging with the property market and there is now a strong demand for space on prime high streets and shopping centres both in Dublin and the main regional cities. It is a very exciting time for Ireland's retail sector." Local and international traders due to attend the exhibition include H&M, Wetherspoons, Iceland, Boots, Smyths Toys, Holland & Barrett, Peacocks, Insomnia Coffee, Tesco Ireland, Carluccios, Henderson Retail, Centra/Supervalu and Omniplex Cinemas.

Simon Millar, from the exhibition organisers, said that with Ireland's economy showing signs of recovery the retail and leisure sectors could play a major role. "I think it will be an enormously appealing and worthwhile event for everyone who wants to benefit from Ireland's resurgence."