Join our networking event: ‘Sell it! Maximising a retail strategy’

As the end of 2024 comes into sight, there’s probably a lot yet to achieve in terms of the bottom line, especially if your business revolves around consumer goods. 

We hear so much about the theatre of retail, and in truth, when the scene is set, the environment is attention-grabbing and the product is captivating, the results can be magical for both customer and seller alike.

Join us for the next IMAGE Business Club Live event, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Monday, October 14 when we’ll take a look at the seductive world of retail – how it has evolved, how to nail the sale, what the big names do to attract attention, the role of online and digital, and how to retain a treasured customer long into the future.

On the evening, IMAGE contributing editor Melanie Morris will chat with retail consultant Eddie Shanahan about the key considerations for commercial success. They will be joined by Siopaella founder Ella de Guzman, who will share first-hand insights on how she maximises her business – both sourcing and selling – between two prime Dublin stores, an active online presence and a highly engaged social media community. 

This event comes at the perfect moment as we prepare for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the make-or-break holiday season that follows. 

We will also introduce a new live segment to the IMAGE Business Club, welcoming Tom Lyons, founder of The Currency, who will talk us through the key stories and issues impacting our business lives right now.

It’s an event not to be missed, offering plenty of insight, along with a chance to network with other IMAGE Business Club members over Tanqueray and Fever-Tree cocktails and canapes, meet the speakers, and gifts for all on departure. 

Schedule

6pm – 7pm: Network over Tanqueray and Fever-Tree cocktails and canapés

7pm – 8.30pm: An information conversation with our experts

8.30pm – 9pm: Meet the speakers and network further 

Gifts

Each attendee will receive a gorgeous gift bag from Neutrogena which includes:

When & Where

When: Monday, October 14 at 6pm

Where: The Dublin Royal Convention Centre, 1 Le Pole Square, Ship Street Great, Dublin 8

Tickets

Already a member? Claim your complimentary ticket here.

*Booking fees apply.

Places to this event are available on a first-come first-serve basis and are limited. 

Please book early to avoid disappointment. If you cannot attend the event, we kindly ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.   

Meet the speakers

Eddie Shanahan, Business & Product Development and Consultant to Fashion, Retail & Craft Sectors

Eddie Shanahan specialises in business and product development for the fashion, textile, craft and retail sectors. His clients include designers, craft makers, retailers, state agencies, blue chip corporations and emerging talent in both the Irish and international marketplaces.  

He is the chairperson of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers and is the Irish delegate to the European Fashion Alliance. He was a board member of the Leitrim Design House for 10 years and a board member of the Design & Crafts Council for four years. He was also Chair of Showcase, Ireland’s internationally recognised trade fair in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, he oversaw the introduction of a virtual showcase, Ireland’s first-ever digital trade fair in response to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.  

Eddie developed the ‘Irish Designers Create’ project with Brown Thomas to identify and develop Irish fashion, accessories and homeware designers with the potential to sell in the store alongside the world’s leading fashion brands. He held the position of director of merchandising and marketing at Arnotts, where he was a member of the Board of Management for nine years. During this time he led a team of 22 professional buyers, across extensive categories, giving him a unique understanding of retailing and commercial relationships.  

He is a regular media commentator on business and lifestyle issues on radio and television and is presently the resident retail consultant on Newstalk’s Open for Business roadshow with Bobby Kerr. 

Ella de Guzman, Founder of Siopaella

Ella de Guzman is the founder of Siopaella, Ireland’s largest consignment resale business specialising in curated pre-loved designer handbags accessories and clothing.

Originally from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, she noticed there was a gap in the consignment business marketplace, hence Siopaella was born in 2011. Her passion for circular fashion has redefined the resale market by offering a carefully curated collection and over the past 13 years has successfully resold over 200,000 items and paid out over €8 million back into the community.

Tom Lyons, CEO, The Currency

Tom Lyons is a decorated business journalist and chief executive of The Currency, an online publisher offering insightful, dynamic and brave stories, commentary and investigations with a focus on business, finance, economics and public policy. Named Business Journalist of the Year on three occasions, Tom won plaudits and respect for his unflinching coverage of Ireland’s boom, bust and recovery. 

Prior to The Currency, he worked with The Sunday Business Post for four years, serving as deputy editor and then as executive editor. In these roles, he was crucial to the revival of the newspaper, both commercially and editorially. He is the co-author of two bestselling books, The Fitzpatrick Tapes and Fingers, and a presenter of Inside Irish Nationwide, a full-length television documentary.