January/February10Contents
■ inside view
Looking Forward with Optimism 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.
“Over 53 years Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director
serving the Irish grocery trade.”
Managing Director: Fergus Farrell Editorial & Marketing Director: Kathleen Belton, email: kathleenbelton@tarapublishingco.com Editor: John Walshe
johnwalshe@tarapublishingco.com
Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter
Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen
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Centra Scores on Sponsorship CENTRA is sure to remain top-of-mind with consumers thanks to the news that its Centra own brand range is the new sponsor of Emmerdale on TV3 and, as a result, becomes the first ever own brand range to sponsor a programme on Irish television. The sponsorship involves a three-year rolling contract, worth €400,000 annually. The sponsorship will allow Centra to communicate the scale and diversity of its own brand range to viewers of Emmerdale every weekday night on TV3. And in true Centra style, viewers can look forward to being entertained by the advertising stings around the programme, as own brand products come to life and literally do the talking. “Centra has Star of TV3’s Emmerdale, Viv Hope witnessed a sigpictured in Centra, Parnell Street nificant increase in in Dublin’s City Centre. demand for Centra own brand products across all 474 stores over the past six months as Irish consumers continue to look for good value without compromising on quality,” noted Ray Kelly, Marketing Director, Centra. “Centra own brand offers consumers a saving of at least 20% over its equivalent branded competitor. This sponsorship will allow Centra to communicate the fantastic choice and value which own brand offers to the Irish consumer and bring to life the depth of the range”. Meanwhile, consumers will be delighted with the news that Centra plans to go freebie crazy and give customers a freebie every Friday throughout February as part of Centra Free Fridays. The idea of Centra Free Fridays is simple – consumers purchase a designated item every Friday throughout the month of February in any of Centra’s 474 stores and get a complimentary item absolutely free. To kick things off, Centra offered a free muffin with every cup of coffee bought in Centra stores. “Centra Free Fridays is all about saying a big thank you to our customers by giving them some great products for free across all stores every Friday for a full Weather girls Jenny Lee (right) month,” explained and Sarah Morrissey (left) join Ray Kelly, Marketing Centra to announce the launch of Director, Centra. Centra Free Fridays. 1