Latest news with #Dunnes
RTÉ News
41 minutes ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Shoppers spend €14m more on summer fare
New figures show that shoppers spent an additional €14m on typical summer fare, including sausages, coleslaw, antipasti, non-alcoholic drinks, mixers, pickles, beer and cider and ice cream, in the four weeks to May 18. The latest figures from Kantar also show that consumers spent additional €50,000 on suncare compared to this time last year. Kantar said that warmer weather, longer days and time spent outdoors is driving consumer spending this month as take-home value sales in Ireland over the four week period increased by 6.6% compared to the same time last year. Shoppers were in-store an average of 22.3 times in May, contributing an additional €17m to the market's overall performance. Today's Kantar figures also show that grocery price inflation stands at 4.96%. Grocery inflation has increased 2.4 percentage points since the same time last year. Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar, said rising prices are influencing both sales performance and consumer behaviour. "Although households have been adjusting their spending for some time now, what we're seeing is a clear 'tipping point; when inflation goes above 3% to 4%. This is when shoppers really start to feel it in their wallets, and they change their behaviour," she said. "As a result, supermarkets are having to be more creative in the way they attract shoppers in-store and online - offering quality products at the right price," she added. Shoppers spent an additional €124m on promotional lines over the last 12 weeks compared to the same time last year, according to Kantar, which recorded the highest share of packs on promotion over 22% - the highest level since May 2021. While the total promotional market grew by 17.6%, key categories including table sauces, skin care, deodorant, soft drinks, frozen confectionery and chocolate all grew ahead of this with double digit growth. Kantar said that despite the added pressure on household budgets, Irish shoppers continue to prioritise quality. This is evident with both brands and own label performing strongly - up 5.6% and 5.2% respectively - with shoppers spending an additional €174m on these ranges compared to last year. Brands still hold a higher value share of the total market at 47.4%, compared to own label with 47.1% value share, Kantar noted. Today's figures show that Dunnes holds a 23.8% market share, with sales growth of 7.2% year-on-year. Dunnes shoppers picked up more volume per trip, up 0.7% alongside making more frequent trips, up 1.8%, which contributed a combined €20.2m to their overall performance. Tesco holds 23.3% of the market, with value growth of 7.1% year-on-year. Shoppers increased their trips to store by 5.3%, which contributed €41.3m to its overall performance. Meanwhile, SuperValu holds 20.3% of the market with growth of 5.4%. Consumers made the most shopping trips to this grocer, averaging 24.9 trips over the latest 12 weeks, which help to contribute an additional €38.9m to its performance. Lidl holds a 13.8% market share, an increase of 6.3% as larger trips drove an additional €12.9m in sales. And Aldi holds a 11.7% market share, up 6.8%. Increased trips to store and new shoppers drove an additional €24.2m in sales, Kantar said.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores fans set to love new €30 dress that offers ‘seamless transition' from day to night
DUNNES Stores chiefs are selling a new textured midi dress that is the perfect outfit for a "seamless transition" from day to night The new jersey button front dress is a steal at just €30. 3 The new jersey midi dress is perfect for any occasion Credit: 3 It is available now for just €30 Credit: Shake off the Crafted from a breathable cotton-rich fabric with a soft, tactile finish, this dress features a button-down front. And with a self-tie waist you get a look that gently defines your silhouette. This frock will take you from everyday errands to pints in the READ MORE IN FABULOUS FASHION And this new versatile piece as it can be dressed up or down. Pair the midi length with low-top trainers and a navy tote bag for a casually chic Swap the trainers for kitten heels for a more formal look, a special occasion or even a last minute trip to the pub. Then finish off the fit with a matching white clutch purse and dainty silver earrings. Most read in Fabulous Dunnes Stores bosses said: "With its midi length and subtle texture, it transitions seamlessly from casual outings to laid-back evenings." Shop this summer must-have in sizes XS up to XXL. 'Run to Dunnes', says fashion fan over must-have summer co-ord perfect for 'day-to-night' This newest dress is available on their website and in stores. Meanwhile, one fashion Julie Byrnes Hughes shared her Savida Bailey Satin Lemon Drawstring & Lace Suit set for just €50. Julie, who posts under the handle Each item is sold separately with the top for €20 and the pants for just €30. The top has a fluid, silky fabric that catches the light and features a drawstring hemline that lets you adjust the shape to suit your style. Pair it with the wide-leg trousers that are crafted from a high-shine, satin-like fabric. The side panels of the pleated trouser are designed with a delicate lace trim. They also feature an elasticated waistband to ensure a relaxed yet flattering fit - perfect for Set the look this summer as the top starts in sizes XXS-XXL, with the matching bottoms ranging from 6-18. Both items are available to buy online and in stores across the country. 3 Shop these summer looks in stores or online Credit: Garrett White THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
'I'm genuinely afraid when I get to the till': Our readers on how food price rises affect them
'TAKE JACOB'S RICE cakes,' a reader writes. A packet of six chocolate-covered rice cakes cost €3 at the start of this year, she recalls. Then they jumped to €3.50. Now they're €3.75 in both Tesco and Supervalu (though currently on special offer in the latter, and still €3 in Dunnes). With a hungry teenager in the house, this family used to buy three packets a week – but that 75c increase adds up to an extra €117 per year. 'We've cut them out completely,' the reader told us. 'It's the same story with a lot of meats and fish. We just don't buy them any more.' Grocery prices are climbing, and have been for some time. Increase after increase adds up to a substantially more expensive shopping bill for most people compared with just a few years ago. Eating out has become much more expensive too. We asked our readers to tell us how higher food and drink prices are affecting them and received many responses. Our thanks to everyone who got in touch. Here's what you told us. Cutting back on groceries The reader with the teenage son said that, for her, food shopping has become a real source of anxiety. She and her partner both work full-time. 'I'm often genuinely afraid that when I get to the till, I won't have enough to cover what's in the basket. And we're not talking luxury items, just the basics to get by,' she said. Another mother, a 41-year-old with two children, said her family reduced spending in a number of areas, including by using less electricity and by reducing car trips to save on petrol. 'Definitely the supermarket is the most difficult one,' she said. One of her children is autistic and has sensory issues with food, meaning it's not possible to change the brands they buy. The supermarket pizza they used to buy for less than €1 is now almost €2, 'Every week, one or another item goes up by a few cents, which adds up at the end,' she said. The family may soon need to ask St Vincent de Paul for help, she said. It's not just families feeling the pressure. A 22-year-old woman from Clondalkin in Dublin said she skips breakfast or other meals if she isn't genuinely hungry, as her weekly food shop won't last through the week otherwise. She said she has sometimes used city centre soup kitchens 'just to have something in my stomach'. One 36-year-old single woman living in the midlands told us she has all but given up on buying meat, sweets and alcohol because of the cost. In any given trip to the supermarket, she might buy just one or two branded goods – usually tea and cheese. She is single and saving for a house deposit, and has a weekly grocery budget of €50 – but struggles to stick to it. Being careful with her money allows her to still be able to afford to socialise, though less often than she used to. Steep price rises since the pandemic Many readers pinpointed the beginning of grocery price inflation to a point in time somewhere around the pandemic, stating that their average shop seems to be 20% or 30% more expensive than it was then. These readers are on the money. In the five years to last month, prices for an average basket of food and non-alcoholic drinks increased by 23.4%, data from the Central Statistics Office shows. Climbing consumer price index for food and non-alcoholic drinks over the past five years CSO data / The Journal CSO data / The Journal / The Journal Damian O'Reilly, lecturer in retail management at TU Dublin, said: 'There's been a paradigm shift in the cost of food, and that cost is staying. The prices are not coming down any time soon.' He said significant price increases in the past year in the price of beef – partly due to increased demand from abroad for Irish exports – and dairy are likely to be followed by stabilisation over the coming months. CSO data indicates the price of a pound of butter is up almost €1 in the past year, with two litres of milk up 27c. Some consumers are switching from beef to chicken, or making other changes to their basket, while supermarket margins on these products are likely to be eroded, O'Reilly said. Advertisement Cocoa prices have been high for a year, driving up the price for products like the chocolate rice cakes mentioned earlier. Tesco said it's trying to absorb price increases but when they are sustained, this has to be reflected in the retail price to consumers. It said it offers an extensive range of rice cakes including good value own-brand products. O'Reilly emphasised that stabilisation does not mean the recent upward trend will go into reverse. Whether it's €11 for two steaks, or €10 for Lavazza coffee – just two of the products our readers mentioned as having been subject to significant recent price increases – this could be the new normal. Cutting out waste Many readers told us their response to increasing grocery prices is to try to stick to discount retailers, and to avoid convenience stores as much as possible. This is borne out by market research firm Kantar's data, which shows Lidl and Aldi are growing their Irish market share. Even when shopping at discount supermarkets, people try to keep their costs down by buying less. One woman said she never takes a trolley around Lidl to stop herself impulse buying, opting instead to fill a bag and then leave. Readers said the increasing price of groceries has made them much more conscious of waste. People said they are batch cooking, freezing food before it goes off, and sometimes treating use-by dates as discretionary if the food passes the 'smell test'. One 34-year-old mother of one from Dublin said: 'If we bought it, then we have to eat it.' No more changing our minds mid-week and ordering a takeaway instead of cooking.' It's not just food and drink increasing in price. Readers are also grappling with steep increases in the price of non-prescription pharmacy products, sun cream and pet food. One reader, whose regular sun cream now costs €25 from Tesco, said this essential product appeared to be priced for the privileged. (Tesco told us it offers a wide range of sun cream options starting at €5, or €4.40 with a club card.) One reader said the cat food she usually buys has almost doubled in price since before the pandemic adding: 'I'd strangle her, except the cremation fees are so high.' Cutting back on eating out It's bad news for restaurants and coffee shops from our hard-pressed readers. Many readers told us they have cut back significantly on meals out and on fancy coffees. Some readers said this was partly because they were trying to save money given the increase in the price of groceries. Most said eating out was just too expensive now, in and of itself. Many readers told us they loved eating out, but they just can't afford to do so with the frequency they used to. A 45-year-old man from Co Mayo said he used to love eating out, be it for lunch during the week or for dinner at the weekend. Now he does so just once a month at most. He acknowledged that food businesses are under pressure but said the quality of the product often just didn't match the price. Recently he had soup, a wrap and a cup of coffee which came to €21.50. 'Could I say it was worth one hour of my work? Absolutely not,' he said. Pub-goers too are feeling the pinch. A number of readers said they're more likely to enjoy a drink at home now than in the pub. Several readers remarked on the price of a glass of wine often being close to €10, putting this luxury out of their reach. One 62-year-old man said: 'Drink has gone up to a ridiculous price so that I have stopped having my two to three pints on a Saturday afternoon.' Some readers said they still try to find the budget for eating out, to the extent that they can afford to do so. Some older readers said going for a coffee helped them get out of the house. Many people said they have switched to more casual, less expensive locations, as well as reducing the frequency at which they eat out. One reader in her 60s, living in Dublin, told us that meeting friends for a meal out is more expensive than it was even one year ago. 'Two weeks ago I had three glasses of wine and a main course and, with tip, it came to €70. Glasses of wine are rarely less than €10 now. 'I met family for brunch in Avoca, Rathcoole and my three salads with bean something-or-other and an Americano was €23.50. A banoffee slice was €8.50.' She skipped the banoffee. A 56-year-old man in Co Louth said: 'Dinner out is a real treat, once every five to six weeks maybe, or celebrations only.' He added that he's also buying less food at the supermarket and eating smaller portions. 'Don't laugh. My waistline and health is thanking me for it!' he said. The reader with the teenage son who has stopped buying rice cakes said her family has downgraded their occasional treat of eating out from dinner to breakfast or brunch. 'Celebrating with a dinner out used to be a treat. Now, it's just stress,' she said. 'The fear of the final bill hanging over the evening makes it hard to enjoy.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘How frigging perfect', says Dunnes Stores fan over NEW sequin set from €30 – and it oozes ‘instant glamour'
A FASHION fan has found a gorgeous sequin co-ord at Dunnes Stores - and it's set to fly off the shelves. The sparkly new waistcoat and skirt is sending 4 A stylish fan has found a must-have co-ord Credit: TikTok/@emmajanemooney 4 The top and bottoms are sold separately Credit: TikTok/@emmajanemooney 4 It is set to be a huge sell-out this summer season Credit: Dunnes Emma Jane Mooney, who posts under Captioning the post, she said: "Destination She revealed the stunning Savida Bella Sequin Set for €60. The Savida Bella Sequin Waistcoat, just €30, has a v-neck and ties at the front. READ MORE ON DUNNES STORES The sequin waistcoat features a delicate tie-front detail that adds a touch of femininity to its bold silhouette. Dunnes Stores designers said it is "drenched in head-to-toe shimmer, this statement waistcoat delivers instant glamour". The cute waistcoat ranges in sizes XXS to XXL. The Savida Bella Sequin Skirt, costing €30, is high waisted. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN The skirt is designed to sit close to the body, it comes into its own when styled with the matching waistcoat or clashed with something unexpected. And the mini skirt comes in sizes XXS to XXL. 'This is pure steal', shopper cries over 'beautiful' €20 wardrobe staple dress - and it's perfect for summer It's a stunning piece shoppers will keep reaching for all The co-ord set can be Fashion fans can style the gorgeous waistcoat with soft linen drawstring pants, a tank top, Birkenstocks and a straw bag to achieve the casual Scandinavian style. To make it dressy for date nights, opt for satin white trousers, court heels, statement earrings, a clutch bag and a cropped blazer. The waistcoat and skirt are available in sizes XXS to XXL. Both items are sold separately and can be purchased online or in stores nationwide. Fashion fans are urged to act swiftly as it is set to be a huge sell-out during the busy summer season. Emma's followers immediately rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts about the matching co-ord set. One follower said: "Omg this is class!! Running to Dunnes." Another person added: "It's so beautiful." The third person said: "Stop it, this is class!" The fourth person added: "Stunning x." 4 The sequin set is priced at €60 Credit: TikTok/@emmajanemooney THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘This is pure steal', shopper cries over ‘flattering' €20 Dunnes Stores wardrobe staple dress – it's perfect for summer
A FASHION fan has found a gorgeous wardrobe staple dress at Dunnes Stores - and it's a serious bargain. As the summer season nears, many 4 A stylish fan has found a gorgeous dress at Dunnes Stores Credit: instagram/stridetostyle 4 It's perfect for all year round Credit: instagram/stridetostyle 4 The dress is set to be a huge sell-out this summer season Credit: Dunnes Yvonne O'Connor, who posts under Captioning the post, she said: " Next up in my try on at is this fantastic steal of a dress for €20 ." She revealed the beautiful outfit, featuring the stunning Cotton Tie Side Jersey Midi Dress. The dress is designed with a self-tie side that creates a flattering fit and features a classic round neckline and cap sleeves. READ MORE ON DUNNES STORES It is crafted from a soft and durable jersey cotton, making it ideal for all year round. Yvonne said: "Oh, I adore this girls. This is €20 and I mean it is beautiful. Like, everything about it is so flattering." She added that the material is "sturdy", lightweight and spacious, making it comfortable to wear at any time. The fashion fan styled the gorgeous dress with block heels, golden jewellery and a blazer to complete the look - the perfect combination for formal events during Most read in The Irish Sun The dress can also be styled casually with a pair of runners or Birkenstocks, a light denim jacket and a handbag or crossbody bag - perfect for grabbing coffee or lunch with the girls. Or spice up the frock for a dinner date with strappy heels, a cropped blazer jacket and a clutch purse. 'Run to Dunnes', says fashion fan over must-have summer co-ord perfect for 'day-to-night' The black and white striped dress is also ideal for work, making it the perfect wardrobe staple piece to have for all year round. It's now available to purchase online or in stores nationwide in sizes XS to XXL. Yvonne added that she "can't see it lasting long in the shop" due to its great material, and it will be a huge hit for summer. Her followers immediately rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts about the dress. A follower wrote: "Just fabulous Yvonne!" Another person added: "Wow looks fabulous on you. What a steal." The third person said: "Great buy Yvonne. It's lovely on you and [the] black blazer really dresses it up!" The fourth person wrote: "Nicest dress I have seen on you in ages! It's gorgeous." 4 The dress is priced at €20 Credit: instagram/stridetostyle THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
