82.7% of retail and food executives optimistic about 2012, survey reveals

FOUR out of five retail and food executives are optimistic about the coming year, according to a survey at the 2012 Checkout Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.

Some 23.5% of retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) executives at yesterday’s event are “very optimistic” and 59.2% are “moderately optimistic” about the coming year.

The conference attracted over 200 top-level executives from more than 100 retail and FMCG companies.

Stephen Wynne-Jones, editor of event hosts Checkout magazine, said: “While the news isn’t good at a European level, the continued economic situation in Ireland has led to a new burst of self-empowerment; businesses that are prepared to take charge and set their own destiny.

“Nowhere is this more evident than the retail and FMCG sectors, where constant innovation and new product development has become part of the fabric of how many companies do business. The 2012 Checkout Conference will seek to harness that energy and leave delegates inspired for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Other findings were that 41.3% of delegates believe that the current upward only rent review legislation represents the biggest threat to survival for small businesses. Over 38% said it was high commercial rates.

Also, 60.5% believe that the easing of the cap on retail development is bad for retail in this country (25.6% said it was good, 14.6% “don’t know”). 70.5% believe that there is too much retail space on the market at present. 26.4% said there was just the right amount, and 3.1% said there was too little.

Among the speakers presenting on the day were Michael Carey, chairman of Bord Bia; economist Jim Power; Michael Landymore, Global Sector Strategist with Rabobank; Frank Gleeson, retail director at Topaz and Miriam Hughes, managing director of DDFH&B.

Minister for Small Business John Perry also addressed the conference, and praised the small retail business sector for supporting the economy and generating employment.

In particular, Mr Perry called on the banks to provide adequate credit to businesses.