New DLBA Retail Strategy 2025 launched

Eoin Costello of the Dargan Institute presents a copy of the Dun Laoghaire Business Association Retail Strategy to the chair Niall Lawlor

Dún Laoghaire, Ireland – The Dún Laoghaire Business Association (DLBA) is proud to announce the launch of its DLBA Retail Strategy 2025 created by the town’s Dargan Institute. It is a bold new vision to revitalise and future-proof the town's retail sector. This forward-thinking strategy, developed in collaboration with local businesses and expert consultants, sets out a roadmap to enhance the retail experience, strengthen footfall, and ensure sustainable economic growth for the area.

The strategy, officially launched today under the title ‘Dún Laoghaire Retail Strategy 2025 - A Four Part Strategy to deliver Retail Rejuvenation’, outlines a series of targeted initiatives to attract more visitors, support independent retailers, and position Dún Laoghaire as a desirable shopping destination. By leveraging digital innovation, improving public spaces, and fostering collaboration between businesses and the local authority, the strategy aims to create a thriving commercial ecosystem that benefits both traders and consumers.

Speaking on behalf of the DLBA, Chairman Niall Lawlor emphasised the importance of this initiative:

"Retail in Dún Laoghaire has a proud history, but like many towns across Ireland, we face evolving challenges. With this strategy, we are taking decisive action to build a resilient, dynamic, and attractive retail environment. Our vision is to create a town centre that supports local businesses, attracts new investment, and offers an exceptional experience for residents and visitors alike."

At the heart of the DLBA Retail Strategy 2025 are several key pillars, including:

  • A Digital-First Approach: Supporting retailers in adopting tech such as footfall counters, e-commerce and digital marketing tools to enhance their reach and competitiveness.

  • Enhancing the Retail Experience: Improving the public realm, increasing pedestrian-friendly spaces, and activating vacant premises to create a more vibrant shopping environment.

  • Events & Community Engagement: Expanding the calendar of retail and business focused events to draw in shoppers and strengthen the town's cultural and commercial appeal.

  • Collaboration & Advocacy: Working closely with local authorities, landlords, and stakeholders to drive policies that support sustainable retail growth.

Lead consultant on the strategy, Eoin Costello, highlighted the transformative potential of the plan:

"At the Dargan Institute we believe that the future of towns and small businesses is closely intertwined, small businesses need their towns behind them now more than ever. The DLBA Retail Strategy 2025 is a roadmap for long-term prosperity. By embracing pride in place, digital innovation and enhancing the overall customer experience, Dún Laoghaire can set a new benchmark for thriving town centres in Ireland. This is an opportunity to not only safeguard the future of our town’s retail sector but to reimagine it for the better."

The DLBA encourages all local businesses and stakeholders to engage with the strategy and contribute to its successful implementation. As retail continues to evolve, Dún Laoghaire is positioning itself as a leader in innovation, resilience, and community-driven economic growth.

For further information on the DLBA Retail Strategy 2025 and how to get involved, please visit www.dlba.ie or contact the DLBA at committee@dlba.ie .

ENDS

Media Contact: Niall Lawlor, Chair DLBA

For a summary of the DLBA Retail Strategy please see



Previous
Previous

Revitalising Retail in Dún Laoghaire: A Vision for the Future

Next
Next

DLBA Retail Summit 2025