Retail Management Development Programme 2026

Our comprehensive 5-day course is tailored to empower retail managers and aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in the dynamic retail industry.
Experience a programme tailored exclusively for you, with seasoned Retail advisors, influential industry figures, and engaging workshops. Immerse yourself in an inspiring Retail Safari, offering the chance to learn from experienced Irish and international retailers.

Our 2026 programme is now closed.
Join the waitlist to Register your interest for our 2027 Programme.

5 Day Programme

DAY 1

Leadership & Management Skills
Industry Insights
Practical Application & Networking

DAY 2

Actionable Insights & KPIs
Leadership
HR Masterclass

DAY 3

Sales Growth Strategies
Relationships & People Development
Loss Prevention

DAY 4

DAY 5

Retail Walking Safari
End-of-Programme Projects & KPI Discussion
Presentation of Certificates

Speakers

Tommy Smyth

MD, Tom Smyth & Associates

Mattress Mick

Entrepreneur & Author

Patricia Maw

Former Loss Prevention, Woodies

Brian Battles

Pharmacy Success

James Burke

Owner, James Burke & Associates

Alf Dunbar

Founder & Creator of "You are the difference"

Gerry Duffy

High Performance Coach & Author

Ericka Hennessy

Manager of the Year 2025

Donna Byrne

Retail Operations Manager, Kilkenny Design

Karl Fitzgerald

Store Manager, Applegreen

Testimonials

As a small business owner running a toy shop both in-store and online, I found this course with Retail Excellence Ireland to be incredibly valuable. The mix of expert advice, industry insights, and hands-on learning gave me practical strategies I could apply straight away. The Retail Safari was a real highlight - it was inspiring to see how other retailers operate and to take away ideas that I could implement in my own business.

I recommend the Retail Management Programme to anyone. Participating in this programme has been truly transformative for me, serving as an eye-opener and providing invaluable insights into the retail industry. One of the most significant aspects of the Programme is the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with professionals from various industries. The cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives was both enlightening and inspiring, broadening my understanding of retail management practices.

Would I recommend the course to peers I work with? 100%! From a networking point of view, learning, awareness of how retail is changing and how to adapt with yourself and your team with support from the Irish industry. ...Guest speakers - very engaging to see all different retails sectors. Alf Dunbar gave me a stronger focus on the customer and link sell.

Enrolment in the Retail Excellence Management Development Programme has been a game-changer for me. I have learned how to develop my leadership skills, and effective growth strategies, and gained invaluable insights into optimizing operational efficiency. This course has equipped me with the tools and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic industry.