Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Tesco, Dunelm and technology

Tesco still biggest grocer in Ireland despite market share slump

Tesco’s market share in Ireland slumped by 6.2% over Christmas, as shoppers diverted their wallets to low cost discounters Aldi and Lidl, The Irish Times reported. In spite of the fall, Tesco is still the biggest supermarket in Ireland, with market share of 26.2%. Irish retailer Dunnes Stores sales dipped 0.9%, resulting in a slight slip in market share to 23.9%. Superquinn’s market share tumbled by 6.4% to 5.2%.

Dunelm awards deal to iForce to cement online presence

Homeware specialist Dunelm has appointed iForce to develop its efulfilment and online capability. As part of the agreement, Dunelm’s web fulfilment operation has been relocated to iForce’s Bromford Gate warehouse, in the West Midlands. iForce will also offer returns processing.

Technology investment will drive revenue, according to CBRE survey

Major retailers have forecasted that investment in digital strategies will help them boost revenues this year. According to a survey by property agent CBRE, 87% of retailers believe the technology use, ranging from smartphone applications to iPads for ordering items in stores, will lead to turnover growth. Some 80% of the 50 retailers surveyed also said their technology investment is expected to drive footfall into their outlets.

The report revealed 85% of retailers now have a dedicated resource to run their digital strategies, with most operating a transactional website (87%) and using social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter to interact with consumers (88%).