Some good news
Doom and gloom downturn possible recession falling sales figures rising cost of petrol, household bills, food, and just about everything else bar air. Welcome to the words of the moment, and for many moments and months to come if statistics, forecasts and the state of the investment market are to be believed (p24).
Right, now the depressing language is out of the way, it’s time to talk about growth and expansion. Because, believe it or not, these words actually do apply to today’s retail market at least to certain sectors.
Domino’s Pizza is one chain that is prospering and is looking for potential sites all over the country (p14). Meanwhile, women’s fashion chain Peacocks is actively seeking units after upping its game (p30), while the menswear sector is starting to find a footing of its own among the plethora of shops catering only to women (p18).
Irish expansion
Even Ireland, finally suffering economic hardship after years of boasting of its prosperity compared with its European neighbours, is seeing growth (p54).
Not only are retailers expanding in the country but developers are also still pressing ahead with two behemoth schemes in Dublin city centre, which, if planning consent is granted, will deliver more than 1m sq ft of new retail space.
No one is denying that there is a downturn, but there is, and always will be, good news in the market. It just depends on your outlook as to whether or not you find it.
