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.
The forum meets on a quarterly basis. Dates for Retail Forum meetings in 2025: 19 March, 4 June, 17 September, 10 December
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.
Retail Forum Subgroups
Two subgroups drive actions in the Retail Forum’s Work Programme:
1. Digitalisation and Skills
Focus on driving digitalisation of the sector and working to support skills development.
Dates for Digitalisation and Skills Subgroup meetings in 2025: 5 March, 27 May
2. Green Transition
Focus on driving best practice sustainability in the retail sector.
Dates for Green Transition Subgroup meetings in 2025: 5 March, 27 May
The Retail Forum Subgroups Terms of Reference outlines how they operate. Membership of the subgroups comprises of Retail Forum members and additional external practitioners who have a particular expertise or interest in an area under discussion. The subgroups are chaired by members of the subgroups and the Secretariat is provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Presentations from the meetings: Presentations made at subgroup meetings
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
Leading the Way
Skills for Better Business
Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision (Employer Information) - Retail Ireland Skillnet
European Year of Skills - European Union
Skills4Retail
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) - Deforestation Regulation implementation
Government consultations relevant to the retail sector
Public consultation on Policing Priorities for An Garda Síochána for 2026-2028
Public consultation on new Action Plan for Insurance Reform
Consultation on Ireland’s action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining
National Public Procurement Strategy Development Consultation
Calls from the European Chemicals Agency
Retail sector study
The Future of the Irish Retail Sector report, commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and carried out by KPMG Future Analytics, was completed in October 2022. The report sets out 14 recommendations which are now part of the Retail Forum’s Work Programme.
Retail statistics
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: DETE Data Dashboard
European Commission: Retail Restrictiveness Indicator
Central Statistics Office (CSO):
Retail Sales Index
Ireland's Retail Economy
Business Demography
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
Recorded Crime
White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030
Bills and Acts of the Oireachtas
Archived minutes
Retail Forum Town Centre First/Night-time Economy Subgroup
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.