Tap Retail Launches Ireland’s First Digital Retail Village in Foxrock, Dublin

“If we want local towns and villages to remain vibrant and viable we need to adapt and give consumers a convenient alternative to support their local retailers. Tap Retail does that.” – Tap Retail CEO, Stephen Hallahan 

Dublin, 27 March 2025 – Tap Retail, the innovative Irish retail platform, has launched Ireland’s first Digital Retail Village in Foxrock, Dublin. The initiative, funded by Foxrock Area Community & Enterprise CLG (FACE) and supported by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, brings local retailers together on a single online platform, enabling businesses to compete in the digital space while supporting the local economy.

The Tap Retail Digital Retail Village allows consumers to buy from multiple local shops in a single transaction, with the convenience of home delivery. The model combines the benefits of online shopping with the support of local businesses, providing a practical solution for shop owners and customers alike.

Stephen Hallahan, CEO of Tap Retail, commented: “Foxrock is just the beginning of what we hope will be a major step forward for local retail in Ireland. This Digital Retail Village gives local businesses the tools they need to compete with big online platforms while keeping the personal touch and community feel that make villages like Foxrock so special.

“Our aim is simple: to make shopping local just as easy and convenient as shopping online, while also helping to bring life back into our towns and villages. It’s about creating something that works for retailers, customers, and the community as a whole, and I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have.

“At a time when big players, like Amazon, are making inroads into the Irish landscape, initiatives like Digital Retail Villages are ever more important. If we want local towns and villages to remain vibrant and viable we need to adapt and give consumers a convenient alternative to support their local retailers. Tap Retail does that.”

The initiative also includes sustainability measures such as optimised delivery routes to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Tap Retail plans to replicate the model in towns and villages across the country.

Features of the Digital Retail Village:

• Retailer Platform: Provides local businesses with technology to expand their reach and streamline operations.
• Consumer Convenience: Offers a single platform for shopping from multiple retailers with home delivery or click and collect options.
• Sustainability: Includes measures to reduce environmental impact through efficient logistics.
• Creating local employment: Full delivery fee goes to Tap-Retail drivers.

Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Jim O’Leary said, “This initiative shows what’s possible when technology, innovation, and community come together to ensure towns and villages like Foxrock aren’t left behind in retail’s digital transformation. As major e-commerce platforms continue to grow, the Digital Retail Village gives local businesses the tools to compete and thrive online. It also brings retailers together in the true spirit of community — a ‘one for all, all for one’ approach that strengthens the village as a whole.”

Sheila Moore, Face, commented, “We’re delighted to work with Tap Retail to give our local, independent shop owners additional ways to serve their customers.   We are very proud that Foxrock is Ireland’s first Tap Retail Digital Village, and we are looking forward to bringing more life and activity into the village as a result of this initiative.  At a time when independent businesses are increasingly challenged by bigger players, Tap Retail are providing a real shot in the arm for Foxrock’s local  shop owners and the wider community.”

Tap Retail is committed to supporting local retailers by helping them compete in an increasingly digital marketplace while contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of Irish towns.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Alison Mills, Tel 086 851 2890