ONE MORE THING:THERE WAS quiet satisfaction in the offices of Dublin City Business Improvement District last week with the news that US fashion retailer Abercrombie Fitch is planning to open here in the old Habitat store on College Green.
Chief executive Richard Guiney sees it as an important vote of confidence in our capital city and a possible green shoot of recovery in the beleaguered retail sector.
“There are a lot of positive things going on here at the moment and I’m of the view that we’re past the worst in the city.”
Brave talk but Guiney cites latest footfall figures to back up his claim. Footfall over the Christmas period increased by 8.5 per cent in the city centre compared with 6 per cent at Dundrum Town Centre.
“We’re delighted to have reclaimed some market share,” he says, accepting that the city centre saw its footfall decline by 40 per cent during the boom.
Footfall was also up 2.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year. “Sales exceeded expectations,” Guiney adds.
Launched in early 2008, Dublin BID is a not-for-profit limited company financed by contributions from about 2,500 businesses between Parnell Square and St Stephen’s Green.
It supplements street cleaning and graffiti removal undertaken by the local authority and also employs those helpful people in high-vis jackets and baseball caps who help tourists navigate the city at various street corners.
In addition, it puts up Christmas lights around the city and organises various festivals.
Guiney faces his own battle. A new five-year plan needs the green light from members and Dublin City Council if the company is to continue its work.
“We’re confident of getting a positive vote but it’s not done till it’s done and it’s something that’s hanging over us at the moment.”
Under his draft plan out to 2017, Guiney has pencilled in net income of €2.86 million for 2013 rising to €3.57 million in year five.
All of this money would be spent on a variety of activities including cleaning, maintenance and landscaping; marketing and research; and a range of hospitality and community projects.
“I think we’ve done well and hopefully we’ll get to continue our work.”
