Wicklow Retail Seminar
24th January 2025
The Town Regeneration Office, in collaboration with the town teams of Arklow, Blessington, Greystones, Newtownmountkennedy, and Wicklow Town, successfully hosted the Wicklow Retail Seminar on Monday 20th January. This event brought together local stakeholders to explore strategies for revitalising town centres and supporting the retail sector.
Under the auspices of the national Town Centre First Policy, the seminar served as a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration among town teams, elected officials, and local retailers. The focus was on practical and innovative interventions aimed at supporting local businesses, enhancing the shopping experience, and attracting footfall to town centers.
The event featured a series of informative presentations from a diverse range of industry experts, including:
- Margaret Bourke, Retail Consultant and Service Director, Positive Retail, who discussed the opportunities available to independent retailers in Irish towns.
- Tom Feeney, Chair, Blackrock Business Association, who shared insights into how a "liveable town centre" can positively impact local retail businesses.
- Ger Corbett, CEO, Sandyford Business District, who explored business leadership in the face of rapid changes in the retail environment.
- Stephen Hallahan, CEO, Tap-Retail, who examined the growing importance of digital retail and how small businesses can compete with larger e-tailers.
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Following these presentations, the seminar showcased three local independent retailers from County Wicklow, providing attendees with firsthand perspectives on how businesses operate in the current environment. These retailers shared their challenges, successes, and how they are partnering with town teams to improve the local retail ecosystem.
The event concluded with small group discussions that encouraged participants to brainstorm and share actionable ideas for enhancing their town centers. These interactive sessions allowed attendees to discuss practical interventions for increasing footfall, fostering local economic growth, and creating a more vibrant and accessible town centre experience.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman, stated, "The seminar provided a platform for the Town Regeneration Office and local town teams to strengthen their ongoing collaboration with local government and business owners in revitalizing town centres across the region."
Cllr. Tom Fortune, Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District and Chairperson of the Economic Development & Enterprise Support Strategic Policy Committee stated “The seminar provided an excellent opportunity for retailers, elected members and town teams to come together, learn from one another, and develop solutions that will help our communities thrive”.
“We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of the Wicklow Retail Seminar,” said Stephen Clarke, Town Regeneration Officer at the Co. Wicklow Town Regeneration Office. “The level of collaboration, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by all participants is a testament to the strong desire to improve our town centres”.
The Town Regeneration Office is committed to maintaining this collaborative momentum and exploring further opportunities to support local retailers and revitalize town centres across the county.