The retail sector is the largest private sector employer in the country and is an important part of the domestic economy. Retail is classified under Eurostat G47 NACE Classification.
Retail Forum
The Retail Forum was established in June 2014. The purpose of the forum is to allow key issues of relevance to the retail sector to be discussed, with a view to identifying practical actions which could be taken by government, or by industry itself, to support the sector with particular emphasis on achieving sustainable jobs growth in the sector.
In 2025 the Retail Forum met on 19 March, 4 June and 17 September.
View minutes of meetings of the Retail Forum held since June 2014 and recent presentations made at Retail Forum meetings.
Membership of the Retail Forum includes retailers and retail representative bodies, public sector and academic bodies.
For the purposes of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, the Retail Forum is obliged to comply with the Transparency Code as it is exempted from registering on the Lobbying Register. This also applies to any subgroup set up by the forum. The Retail Forum Terms of Reference outlines how the forum operates. See also, the Retail Forum's Privacy Notice.
For queries in relation to the Retail Forum please contact retail@enterprise.gov.ie.
Legislation
Legislation relevant to the retail sector
Retail sector resources
Tailored guidance for retailers about available government schemes and supports:
National Enterprise Hub - Retail
The National Enterprise Hub is an all-of-government service staffed by experts and trained advisors, which is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports.
Grow Digital
The Grow Digital portal allows businesses to assess their digital capability and then advise on the supports available to improve their offering through digital technologies. The portal provides bespoke advice and recommendations and highlights supports available from government through agencies such as the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and IDA Ireland, alongside additional training and funding options.
Energy Efficiency Guide for Retailers - SEAI (PDF, 24MB)
Health and safety in retail - HSA
Simple safety in retailing - HSA
HSA retail publications
Guidelines for businesses on price reduction announcement obligations - CCPC
Education and training courses for retail
Innovation Vouchers - Enterprise Ireland
Intreo supports for employers - Department of Social Protection
Skills for Better Business
Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision (Employer Information) - Retail Ireland Skillnet
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) - Deforestation Regulation implementation
Consultations relevant to the retail sector
The Development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026
Calls from the European Chemicals Agency
Retail statistics
Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: DETE Data Dashboard
European Commission: Retail Restrictiveness Indicator
Central Statistics Office (CSO):
Retail Sales Index
Ireland's Retail Economy
Business Demography
Recorded Crime
Related information
Local Enterprise Office
Enterprise Ireland
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Workplace Relations Commission
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
Online Retail Scheme
Responsible Business
Departments that applied the SME Test
Europe fit for the Digital Age: New online rules for businesses
Ireland in the Digital Economy and Society Index
European Commission Transition Pathway for Retail Report
FAQ – EU Regulation 2023/1115 on certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010
An Garda Síochána commences Operation Táirge
The Future of the Irish Retail Sector report
White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030
Bills and Acts of the Oireachtas
Archived material
Retail Forum Digitalisation and Skills Subgroup
Retail Forum Green Transition Subgroup
Retail Forum Town Centre First/Night-time Economy Subgroup
Retail Forum Subgroups Terms of Reference
Presentations made at subgroup meetings
Disclaimer:
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information/material contained on the Retail sector in Ireland webpage, the department, its servants or agents assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided in the website and does not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions.
The webpage sometimes links to external sites over which the department has no control and accepts no responsibility.
No document on the site is a legal interpretation and should not be seen as such. If you need professional or legal advice you should consult a suitably qualified person.