Bannon: Two Decades of Strategic Leadership in Retail Property

The retail property sector is inherently complex and demands a high degree of expertise and strategic foresight. Since its establishment in 2005, Bannon has played a central role in shaping the Irish retail landscape, with involvement in over 50% of the Republic of Ireland’s shopping centre stock. Over the past 20 years, the firm has successfully guided clients through a series of global and domestic challenges, economic cycles, geopolitical disruptions, and public health crises, while consistently delivering value through tailored leasing and development strategies.

At the heart of our approach is a commitment to putting clients first. Every decision, recommendation, and negotiation is driven by an understanding of our clients’ objectives and a focus on protecting and enhancing their assets.

Market Leadership and Portfolio Scale

Bannon is currently engaged in the leasing and management of more retail schemes than any other agency in Ireland. Our active portfolio spans over 60 retail assets, encompassing town centres, shopping centres, retail parks, and local developments. Notably, we serve as leasing agents on four of the five major M50 schemes, underscoring our market leadership and operational scale.

Our team has also been instrumental in introducing a diverse range of international retail brands to the Irish market, including:

• Zara
• H&M
• Hollister
• Mango
• Harvey Nichols
• Pull & Bear
• Flannels
• Mint Velvet
• Smiggle
• Hugo Boss
• Lush
• Pret A Manger

These strategic introductions have contributed to the evolution of Ireland’s retail offering and enhanced the competitiveness of our clients’ assets. We view every brand placement and leasing strategy as an opportunity to create long-term value for our clients.

Strategic Response to Economic Disruption

During the Global Financial Crisis of 2007, Bannon demonstrated our ability to support clients through prolonged market volatility. We maintained occupancy levels and renegotiated lease terms to protect asset performance during a challenging decade for the retail sector. Our client-first mindset ensured that owners and occupiers alike received the guidance they needed to weather the downturn.

The onset of Brexit in 2020 introduced further complexity, particularly in relation to logistics and supply chain costs. Through proactive engagement and strategic advice, we enabled clients to mitigate risk and implement solutions to safeguard asset value.

Adaptive Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for both property owners and occupiers. We adopted a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, facilitating the renegotiation and re-gearing of over 200 leases. This ensured continued occupancy, enhanced WAULT (Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Term), and sustained rental income, all critical factors in maintaining asset stability during a period of significant uncertainty.

Continued Support Amid Geopolitical Instability

The war in Ukraine has had a pronounced impact on inflation, supply chain dynamics, and labour costs, particularly within the retail sector. We continue to provide strategic advice to clients, helping them navigate these pressures and adapt to evolving market conditions. Our approach is grounded in a client-first ethos, ensuring that every recommendation is aligned with their long-term goals.

A Proven Partner for the Future

Over the past two decades, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to provide market insight and operational execution. Our track record reflects a commitment to excellence, and long-term client success. As new challenges emerge, we remain fully prepared to support clients with the same level of diligence and strategic clarity that has defined our approach since inception.