The retail landscape is evolving fast. To stay ahead, the sector must fundamentally rethink how it attracts, develops, and retains talent.

This was the resounding message at our third annual Retail Learning Summit 2026, hosted at Chartered Accountants House in Dublin. With 135 attendees representing 67 different organisations, the sheer turnout demonstrated a massive appetite for Learning and Development (L&D) in the Irish retail sector.

As Head of Retail Ireland Skillnet Oran Doherty noted during his opening remarks, the ultimate goal is to shift the narrative: retail is no longer just a job, but a sustainable career.

Here is a deep dive into the biggest insights and trends discussed by our expert speakers and panellists.

1. The Macro Trends: Skills Gaps, Gig Workers, and AI

The retail sector is currently navigating a period of intense transformation. Conference discussions highlighted several stark realities shaping the workforce:

• The Widening Skills Gap: A staggering 96% of Irish businesses are currently struggling with skills shortages.
• The Rise of the Gig Economy: By 2030, an estimated 50% of all retail workers will be gig workers, requiring a highly adaptable approach to onboarding and training.
• The AI Revolution: Dave A. Barry of Connexion delivered a compelling session on how AI will completely redefine L&D from 2026 throughout. However, he noted that as technology handles functional tasks, human connection becomes even more vital. Mission is what a company does, but Purpose is why it does it – and purpose remains a major retention and attraction tool for employees.

2. Flipping the Script: EX is the New CX

For decades, retail has operated on the mantra that the customer comes first. In his masterclass, Charlie Boyle, CEO of Customer Service Excellence Ireland, challenged employers to flip that script: Employee Experience (EX) is the new Customer Experience (CX).

Using a brilliant “fishtank analogy,” Boyle asked business leaders to consider if they are doing enough to clean the environment their teams work in. An unhealthy culture, he warned, is ten times more predictive of staff leaving than any other factor. The core takeaway was simple but profound: if you empower your staff, loyal customers will naturally follow.

3. Changing the Language: From “Cost” to “Investment”

Throughout the day, the conversation repeatedly shifted from viewing training as an expensive overhead to treating it as an essential business driver. Don’t call it a cost – it is an investment.

This was brought to life through real-world examples:

• The Apprentice Advantage: In Panel 2, we heard directly from past and present participants of the Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision who shared how these pathways lead to fast-tracked promotions and rapid progression. Crucially, the panel highlighted the important role previous apprentices play in supporting and directing current ones through the business.
• Employer Case Studies: Major brands like Applegreen and BWG showcased the tangible results of their L&D initiatives. Applegreen noted that their main motivations for training – upskilling and recognition – have directly resulted in massive improvements in motivation and retention. BWG highlighted its 15-year partnership with Retail Ireland Skillnet, detailing deep investments in their staff, including mental health first aid and executive coaching.

4. Scaling L&D: Overcoming Barriers to Build Resilient Cultures

Throughout the day, we heard from L&D leaders from Boots Ireland, Brown Thomas | Arnotts, Woodies, Musgrave, Aramark, Eason, O’Briens Wines, Mr Price, Kelco, and Vision Ireland, who discussed the strategic and operational reality of managing growth.

The panellists candidly discussed overcoming initial financial barriers and the transformative impact of inclusive hiring practices. By targeting people from disadvantaged backgrounds and integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL), these organisations have successfully filled talent gaps.

Furthermore, the panel agreed that the metrics of success for L&D are changing. It is no longer about tracking the number of “hours logged” – it is about measuring genuine behaviour change, talent pipeline progression, and long-term retention rates.

Applications Now Accepted For:

A massive thank you to all the speakers, panellists, and delegates who made the Retail Learning Summit 2026 such a phenomenal success.

If there is one resounding message to take away from the day, it is this: the cost of inaction is simply too high. Engaging in continuous learning and development is no longer optional: it is essential for every retailer, regardless of your sector, size, or region. Talk with the team here at Retail Ireland Skillnet to ensure you don’t struggle when acting on your skills gap. We will work directly with you to design bespoke training solutions that work for your business:

• Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme: We are now accepting applications for the September 2026 intake. Send an Expression of Interest here.
• Degree in Retail Management Practice: Apply today for the Retail Degree Programme (Applications close 29th May 2026). Submit your application here.
• Managing Challenging Behaviour in Retail (Free Online Workshop): As we continue to address emerging sector challenges, Retail Ireland Skillnet is running a dedicated webinar on March 10th to combat the concerning rise in disruptive behaviour facing retail employees. Register for the free workshop here.

Contact our Team

Ready to take the next step in your L&D journey? Reach out to our team today:

• Oran Doherty: Head of Retail Ireland Skillnet | 087 459 9729 | Oran.doherty@ibec.ie
• Roisin Woods: Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision Programme Manager | 087 439 0087 | Roisin.woods@ibec.ie
• Theresa Gallagher: Retail Network Manager | 083 352 7277 | Theresa.gallagher@ibec.ie