Retail in Ireland

February 2025
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in Ireland with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retail industry in Ireland, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retail in Ireland report includes:

  • Analysis of key retail trends
  • Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
  • Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
  • Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retail in Ireland?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retail in Ireland?
  • How are products distributed in Retail in Ireland?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in Ireland?
  • To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?​
  • What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar? 
  • How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?​
  • What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?​
  • What is the future of retail?

Retail in Ireland

Retail in 2024: The big picture
Retailers focus on sustainability to align with consumer demands
Consumers continue to be cautious of their spending during 2024
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
Seasonality
Christmas
Easter
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029

DISCLAIMER

Summary 2 Research Sources

Convenience Retailers in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

While price points stabilise, many consumers remain cautious of their spending
Investments in energy efficiency and enhancing the consumer experience are key
Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland maintains its lead through popular store Centra
Convenience retailers are expected to respond to price sensitivity by installing price promotions
Musgrave is set to continue its expansion in Ireland while enhancing its offerings
Future strategies may include innovative store formats and engagement with the local community
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Supermarkets in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

A solid performance as supermarkets focus on value and convenience
Iceland exits the Irish market while Supervalu retains its leading position
A rising focus on sustainability, organic produce and meat substitutes
Positive growth is expected for supermarkets as stores offer loyalty schemes and price-matching
A rising focus on sustainability will lead to increased use of digital signage and QR codes
Consolidation and expansion strategies are expected to shape the supermarket industry
Table 65 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 66 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 67 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 68 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 69 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 70 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 71 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Hypermarkets in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Hypermarkets in Ireland benefit from the increase in consumption
Tesco sets ambitious sustainability goals while promoting healthier lifestyles
Tesco provides support to Irish producers and the local community
Challenges across the forecast period include competition from other modern retailers
The expansion of hypermarkets is unlikely to happen across the forecast period
A focus on diversification may support sales in hypermarkets across the forecast period
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Discounters in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Discounters continue to perform well as many consumers remain price-sensitive
Lidl gains ground by supporting Irish producers while focusing on sustainability
Aldi plans to invest significantly to open 30 new locations across Ireland
Positive growth for discounters is supported by low price points and ongoing expansion strategies
Discounters may start to integrate retail e-commerce into sales and marketing strategies
Leading players Lidl and Aldi are set to maintain a strong focus on sustainability
Table 79 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 80 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 84 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 85 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Small Local Grocers in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Sales in small local grocers continue to struggle as other retailers offer competitive prices
Health food stores attract more attention as interest in wellbeing increases in Ireland
Holland and Barrett continues its expansion while introducing digital tools instore
Sales are expected to be challenged by a rise in operational expenses and increased competition
Sustainability initiatives and working with local communities could benefit small local grocers
Investments in omnichannel strategies may help small local grocers remain competitive
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

General Merchandise Stores in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Positive growth for department stores as players focus on enhancing the consumer experience
Dealz invests in refurbishing its stores to improve both the staff and customer experience
Dunnes Stores Ltd gains permission for new landmark development in Crumlin
Solid prospects for department stores as footfall is expected to be positive
Variety stores is expected to see positive growth, however, discounters will remain a challenge
Department stores will face rising competition from retail e-commerce
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Apparel and footwear specialists focus on engaging online experiences
Apparel and footwear specialists implement consumer experiences and open new stores in high street locations
New government initiatives focus on sustainability while resale platforms gain ground
A rising focus on sustainability is expected to shape store strategies over the forecast period
Apparel and footwear specialists face rising pressure from retail e-commerce
Sports and leisurewear is set to expand, aligned with the rising demand for activewear
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Appliances and electronics specialists maintain retail value sales during 2024
Consumers shift to retail e-commerce to buy smaller electronics at affordable price points
The Irish Government raises awareness about recycling broken and unused appliances
Appliances and electronics specialists are set to be challenged by retail e-commerce and second-hand goods
The leading player in Ireland, Harvey Norman, expands into England
The uncertain geopolitical situation and an expected increase in customs duties and tariffs
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Home Products Specialists in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Home products specialists record a decline in sales amidst ongoing price-sensitivity
JYSK opens a distribution centre to reduce the delivery time of online orders
Ikea lowers prices of popular products while supporting sustainability efforts
Sales will be challenged by price sensitivity and an anticipated decline for homewares and home furnishing stores
Ikea is expected to continue its expansion plans across the forecast period
The lack of supply in the housing market may lead to an uplift in home renovations
Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Health and Beauty Specialists in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Health and beauty specialists record positive growth despite rising challenges
The Body Shop exits the Irish market as the player struggles against rising competition
Boost retains its lead while LloydsPharmacy buys family-owned McCabe’s Pharmacy
Health and beauty specialists face rising competition from department stores and supermarkets
Sustainability and omnichannel strategies will be a key focus of health and beauty brands
Discount pharmacies are poised to boost competition and foster innovation
Table 129 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 130 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 131 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 132 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 133 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 134 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 135 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 136 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 137 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Vending in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Despite the growth in tourism supporting demand, vending sales decline
Vending focuses on healthy food options to appeal to a wider range of consumers
Premium coffee drinks remain one of the most popular areas of diversification
There is an opportunity for expansion in non-captive and semi-captive environments
The Deposit Return Scheme is facilitated by reverse vending machines in Ireland
The integration of smart technology is expected to improve the consumer experience in vending
Table 140 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 141 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 142 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 143 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 144 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 145 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Direct Selling in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Direct selling records a retail value decline for the third consecutive year
Herbalife records sales growth and improves its share with a focus on health and wellbeing products
The uncertain economic situation leads to recruitment within direct selling jobs
Direct selling is set to face rising competition from online retailers
Health and wellness products are expected to perform well as consumers embrace rising wellness trends
Direct selling is expected to shift further online, reaching a wider audience
Table 146 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 149 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 150 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 151 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Retail E-Commerce in Ireland

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Retail e-commerce outperforms offline retail as consumers migrate to online platforms
Amazon announces plans to launch its .ie domain while supporting Irish businesses
Companies focus on expanding their omnichannel strategies to align with consumer demands
Retail e-commerce is expected to record strong growth as retailers focus on seamless experiences
A rising focus on sustainability will lead players to implement eco-friendly processes
Third-party marketplaces are expected to grow across the forecast period
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
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The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retail

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retail

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, and wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry). Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

See all of our definitions
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