Overview

• The sector’s revenue rose 6.1 percent to a record €12.4 billion in 2024 according to the EHI survey.
• Sales had plunged to €7.6 billion in 2021 during the pandemic before recovering to pre-Covid levels.
• The EHI study polled 34 retail firms with more than 11,300 branches to compile its findings.
• Consumers are ‘trading down’ to budget-friendly outlets like IKEA cafés and supermarket snack counters.
• Analysts forecast a further 4.1 percent increase to €12.9 billion in 2025 as shoppers seek affordable meal options.