As Ireland’s retail[1] industry navigates rapid shifts in consumer preferences and technology, in 2025, 35% of retailers[2] will prioritise candidates with digital skills, including e-commerce management and data analytics. A trend which, according to experts at Excel Recruitment, reflects the growing importance of online retail.
Published today, the Excel Recruitment Non-Food and Fashion Retail Salary Guide 2025, offers comprehensive insights into Ireland’s retail sector, recording movements in salary and other notable employment trends that have developed over the last 12 months.
A survey conducted by Excel Recruitment found that 25% of retailers recruiting for senior roles are now placing a premium on sustainability and digital transformation expertise.
According to the recruitment experts, the Irish retail market showed steady growth in 2024, with both brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce, performing well amidst rising consumer confidence.
Additional highlights from the Excel Recruitment Non-Food and Fashion Retail Salary Guide 2025 include:
- A surge in demand for strategic senior roles toward the end of 2024 led to a 15% increase in senior management hiring.
- While salaries across many retail roles largely plateaued, early 2024 saw increases of up to 12% for duty managers and team managers.
- As competition for talent remains high, benefit packages such as healthcare, family leave, and well-being programs continue to play a significant role in attracting and retaining employees.
Aislinn Lea, Director of Non-Food and Fashion Retail at Excel Recruitment, observed,
“In 2024 candidates began to take a more cautious and deliberate approach to job changes, asserting greater control over their career decisions. We saw a strategic shift in the retail job market, with candidates placing high value on location, flexibility, and work-life balance. The minimum wage increase to €13.50 in January 2025 will further impact the industry, particularly smaller retailers, who may look to technology like AI to streamline processes and manage costs.”
“In the last quarter of 2024, we also experienced a growing demand for skilled senior leadership capable of providing a more strategic commercial and operational focus to businesses, while supporting their strategic direction in terms of engagement and standards”.
“Benefit packages have remained strong throughout the year, featuring Salary, Pension, Bonus, Healthcare, Holidays, Well-being support, Charity affiliations, and expanded family leave options.
Looking ahead to 2025, we expect employers to offer even more competitive salaries, hybrid work options where possible, and professional development opportunities to attract skilled talent. As AI and sustainability drive change, candidates with expertise in these areas will be increasingly valuable to retailers navigating this transformative landscape”.
- The Excel Recruitment Fashion & Retail Salary Guide 2025 provides detailed information on salary trends across various roles in the sector and is now available for download on the Excel Recruitment website.
