Online Retailing for the Traditional Retailer and retail services businesses

Christmas 2018 was a defining moment for many retail channels, with the most significant move online by consumers in the last decade. Much of this online retailing has encouraged sales to flow out of Ireland.
This exciting workshop will explore the potential for online success for traditional retail shops. It is targeted at those exploring the idea of setting up an online shop - across all sectors - and also those already trading online. Book your place at this event to hear and learn from the experts in field.
The event will be facilitated by James Burke (James Burke & Associates) and Guest Speakers/Panellists are Jean McCabe of Willow (Ennis & Galway), Oonagh McCutcheon of IE Domain Registry, Audrey Lehane of Azure Jewellery (Cork) and Gerard Keohane of StudioForty9.
 

Schedule:

08:30   Registration and breakfast bites

09:00   Welcome by LEO Cork City

09:05   James Burke, James Burke & Associates 

            Online Retailing – what’s happening in Ireland and beyond 

James will open by giving a quick perspective on the winning ideas and challenges being experienced by others to put the session in context.

09:20   Oonagh McCutcheon, EI Domain Registry 

            Digital is an opportunity, not a threat  

Savvy SMEs can extend awareness of their business through online. They can provide a convenient means of shopping and doing business for customers. Using technology, they can streamline their business processes in small but simple ways that save time, avoid repetitive tasks and provide excellent customer service. 

09:50   Jean McCabe, Willow (Ennis & Galway) 

Case  study of an Irish traditional retailer who has conquered the online world, combining her physical shop with an online selling platform.  Jean is a winner of the REI National Store of the Year 2019 and runner-up for her online shop and will share practical tips and suggestions based on her journey.

10:20   tea/coffee break

10:40   PANEL DISCUSSION facilitated by James Burke  www.jamesburke.ie  with Q & A

• James Burke  www.jamesburke.ie

James Burke is regarded as the leading retail expert in Ireland.  He specialises in working with independent owner operated retail businesses and has worked with many indigenous retail brands.  James has worked directly with over 100 Cork retailers and consumer facing businesses through a series of retail development programmes over the last 6 years.

• Audrey Lehane  www.azurejewellery.ie

Audrey established Azure Jewellery in 2004 specialising is handmade bridal jewellery and accessories.  Azure established a wholesale business in 2009 and the Azure brand is currently stocked in 50 outlets throughout Ireland, UK and USA. All pieces are manufactured at Azure’s recently renovated premises on George’s Quay, Cork.

• Jean McCabe  www.willow.ie

Leaving behind a career in Engineering, Willow was born in 2007. Starting out as 21 year old, with no experience, Jean fell in love with retail and grew Willow into the Retail Experience it is today. Winner of the Retail Excellence 'National Store of the Year 2019' shows that the small SME can compete, you just need to know how! 

• Gerard Keohane  www.studioforty9.com

Gerard is an eCommerce expert with over 15 years of industry-grade web development experience.  In 2006, Ger founded StudioForty9, an award-winning team with a national and international reputation for excellence, specialising in systems integration and omnichannel retail eCommerce.  StudyForty9 is the 2017 “Supplier of the Year” to the retail industry, awarded by Retail Excellence Ireland.

• Oonagh McCutcheon  www.iedr.ie

Oonagh joined the IE Domain Registry as a Customer Operations Manager in 2015. She was previously the CEO of Elucidate, a digital marketing company with a blue-chip client base from a range of sectors including retail, medical, transport, tourism, associations and institutions, food, technology and recruitment.  Oonagh is a regular speaker and panellist at SME events where she shares insights from IE Domain Registry research.

Panel Discussion ends

11:10   Gerard Keohane, StudioForty9 

With over 10 years direct commercial experience delivering cutting edge digital commerce solutions to Irish retailers to help them succeed online, Gerard will explore and share thoughts on the “known knowns” of brining your retail business online: budgets and costs, areas of effort for the team, technology and integrations.  Whether you are a veteran of trading online or just thinking about starting for the first time, this session will have tips for all levels.

11:40 Closing comments

11:45 Close