Kilkenny Group, the Irish design and craft retailer, is set to expand its presence in the United States this year, with a significant focus on growing ecommerce sales.
Kilkenny Group reported 32 million Euros (US$34.88 million) in revenue last year, and it plans to leverage its recent investment in ecommerce to tap into the U.S. market.
The Irish government founded the company in 1963 as a hub for local designers and makers. Kilkenny Group now operates 21 physical stores across Ireland. The company employs 221 staff and has headquarters in Cork.
“We’re champions of Irish design and craft,” said Evelyn Moynihan, Kilkenny Group’s CEO. “We partner with over 250 Irish designers and makers to create strong customer experiences across our retail shops and online.”
Kilkenny Group ecommerce growth
Moynihan took over as CEO four years ago after joining the company as marketing and business development director. She said Kilkenny Group’s focus on ecommerce is central to its growth strategy in the U.S.
Kilkenny Group recently invested over 400,000 Euros (US$436,192) in a new online platform, which has driven significant growth in online sales.
“The initial plan with the U.S. is focused on scaling up our ecommerce business,” Moynihan said. “We’re also looking at various marketplaces where our products will add value.”
Enterprise Ireland has supported Kilkenny Group’s expansion efforts, including helping the company adapt its product offerings to suit the U.S. market.
“They have helped us understand what the customer in the U.S. is looking for and how we can meet that need,” Moynihan said.
Kilkenny Group’s expansion follows a period of steady growth, which included taking over retail outlets at the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and Vandeleur Walled Garden in Co Clare. The company has also developed its own branded products, including a heritage knitwear collection and a Lennon Courtney design partnership.
“We get a lot of visitors to our locations in Ireland,” Moynihan said. “We seek to keep that relationship going afterwards, and that helps grow the ecommerce platform.”
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