Is Amazon on the way?
Joan Henry, Head of Research at Knight Frank joined Matt Cooper on the Last Word to discuss Amazon’s plans to open a fulfilment centre in Baldonnell in West Dublin. This would allow retailers to bypass issues caused by Brexit in servicing the Irish market.
The deal represents the 2nd largest industrial letting in the Irish economy, 2nd only to Tesco. Amazon also took a large office lease in Dublin last year and continue to increase their footprint.
There are also reports that Amazon is in talks about the possibility of locating a distribution facility and other infrastructure at Shannon Airport. Utilising Knight Frank’s recent market research Joan gives her thoughts on how this may impact the market.
Tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue, fashion and retail consultant Eddie Shanahan also joined Matt Cooper on Today FM to discuss what this would mean for Irish retail.
In the segment Joan discusses how it does not pose a threat to the local market and doesn’t perceive that it will have a negative impact on shopping centres and the high street. Covid has proved the biggest threat to retail in Ireland in recent times. Those that adapt and have a strong online and street presence will be the ones to survive.
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