Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond has announced €2.3m in funding to enhance retailers’ online presence.

This latest call under the Scheme sees 98 retailers across all regions approved for funding of €2.3million, with 79% of successful companies based outside of Dublin.

Online Capability

The Scheme was open to retailers who already have an online presence and a physical store, to help enhance their online capability and attract new customers.

The businesses will receive grants ranging from a minimum of €10,000 to a maximum of €25,000, with nearly half (46%) of all successful applicants benefitting for the first time.

Recipients from this latest call are located throughout Ireland and are from a number of retail sectors, including hardware, pharmacy, clothing, and furniture.

'Attract New Customers'

"An online presence allows retailers to improve their service for existing customers, attract new customers at home and abroad, as well as future-proof their operations. Moving online is a complement, rather than a replacement to physical stores," said Minister Richmond.

"Through the Online Retail Scheme, we are enabling established retailers with a store to expand their market presence beyond their community, and even the country, with an increased online presence."

'Real Benefits'

Enterprise Ireland said Irish retailers are increasingly looking for ways to adapt their traditional retail model to reflect the growing demand for online shopping from consumers and this latest funding round will help retailers in that ambition.

“In this funding call we specifically sought applications from businesses which hadn’t previously benefitted from the Scheme, and we’re delighted that a large number of first-time applicants engaged with the Scheme this year," said Teri Smith, Manager of Retail, Consumer and Online, Enterprise Ireland.

Source: www.businessworld.ie