ABSTRACT
Change is the keynote feature of both Irish retailing and consumers. Retailing responds to the overall demographic situation as well as the specific attributes of consumers, which include the changing nature of consumer organisation and lifestyles, changing consumer technology and consumer environments. Changes in work practices have led to the development of flexitime, which involves different working and leisure hours, and have increased unemployment. Elsewhere, the countryside has seen migratory changes as high status commuters have moved into village communities with a consequent change in the nature and patterns of demand. Major changes have occurred in retailing within the last quarter century, and change is taking place with increasing rapidity. The most dramatic changes in the balance of market power are in the grocery sector. A radical change has taken place in retailing in terms of selling technique. The most notable change in terms of retail location has been the development of planned shopping centres throughout the island.
