Metro department store is currently in discussions with CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) to remain at Paragon shopping centre through a transition into new retail concept stores. This move follows a broader strategic shift by the retailer to abandon traditional large-format department store models in favor of a more flexible retail model centred on “specialised … Read more
The recent Telstra network outage, which crippled mobile connectivity for thousands of Australians on Wednesday, is estimated to have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. RMIT associate professor Mark Gregory, an expert in telecommunications engineering, projects that the intermittent failure of mobile services—impacting everything from small business transactions to essential transport systems—will … Read more
A new €3 duty on small parcels originating from outside the European Union took effect this week, marking a significant shift in how Irish consumers pay for international online orders. According to official reports, the charge applies to individual product categories for items purchased from non-EU retailers, ending the previous “de minimis” exemption that allowed … Read more
The rise of online marketplaces like Vinted has sparked a shift in Ireland’s retail sector, initially causing a dip in foot traffic for physical vintage stores before settling into a period of co-existence. While Vinted reported a 197 per cent growth in listings in Ireland for the year ending May, established brick-and-mortar shops like Dublin’s … Read more
Auckland Transport (AT) will implement new or extended paid parking across 13 side streets in Ponsonby following approval from the Waitematā Local Board. The initiative aims to manage parking demand that has spilled into residential areas since the introduction of paid parking on Ponsonby Road, according to AT group manager for network, planning, and policy, … Read more
Marks & Spencer is warning that upcoming EU customs changes, which impose a €3 per-item charge on goods imported from the UK, could render its current Irish retail model unviable. The retailer is advocating for a “de minimis” exemption on UK-Ireland trade to protect consumers from rising costs and administrative burdens, according to a spokeswoman … Read more
Latvian confectionery producers have launched an initiative to expand their market presence in Canada, highlighting a commitment to sustainable sourcing and European quality standards. According to the “Premium European Products” campaign, the effort focuses on high-quality chocolates, biscuits, and wafers produced under European Union regulatory frameworks for food safety and traceability. How the campaign promotes … Read more
Why AI Shopping Agents Are Struggling to Take Off AI shopping agents face significant hurdles despite growing consumer interest, according to industry leaders. Matt Maher, founder of M7 Innovations, highlighted that security protocols, lack of agentic commerce standards, and retailer policies blocking third-party agents are major barriers. Melissa Bridgeford, CEO of Wizard Commerce, noted that … Read more
Immigrants in Ireland have made a stronger fiscal contribution to the state than Irish-born residents over the past two decades, according to a report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The analysis, commissioned by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, found that migrants consistently maintain a positive fiscal impact, even during … Read more
Retail chain Barbeques Galore will wind up its operations in the coming weeks, resulting in the closure of 62 company-owned stores and the redundancy of hundreds of staff. The company, founded by Max Mason in the 1970s, entered voluntary administration in February and has since failed to secure a buyer or a viable recapitalization deal, … Read more