From bricks to clicks – isn’t that the future for the retail trade? It’s certainly a remarkable opportunity for the sector to grow and develop new revenue streams. While the World Wide Web has presented retailers with a global market, the challenge is to make that revolutionary shift from footfall to impressions.

Later this month I participate as a judge the 2015 Ennis Fashion Week Awards (not the clothes) but in particular the online marketing element of retail in the Co. Clare town. There is a great line of up of events from Sunday 20th to Friday 26 inclusive so be sure to check out the schedule here. If you are on Twitter follow @EFW2015 and use the hashtag #EFW15.

• Date: Saturday, September 26
• Time: 7pm till Late
• Venue: Temple Gate Hotel
• Entry: €59 from Eventbrite and Madden Furniture
• Dress code: Black Tie Optional

The jewel in the Ennis Fashion Week 2015 crown looks set to be the Clare and Irish Fashion Designers Showcase. Always a popular event, this year it takes place in The Temple Gate Hotel and attendees can enjoy a drinks reception and delicious 4 course dinner while taking in a spectacular display from some of the country’s most exciting designers.. In addition, the innagural Gleeson Insurance EFW Business of Fashion awards will see Ennis based fashion and beauty businesses vying for the following titles.

Gleeson Insurance EFW Best Boutique (Peoples Choice)

Gleeson Insurance EFW Best Hair Salon (Peoples Choice)

Gleeson Insurance EFW Best Beauty Salon (Peoples Choise)

Gleeson Insurance EFW Best Use of Online Marketing

Gleeson Insurance EFW Best Window Display

Gleeson Insurance EFW Best In Store Promotion

We are delighted to announce that David Fitzsimons, Retail Excellence Ireland and Joanne Sweeney Burke, Digital Training Institute and Apprentice finalist  have undertaken the task of judging the awards. The general public can vote for the People’s Choice Gleeson Insurance EFW Business of Fashion  awards at www.ennisfashion.ie from Sept 14th to Sept 25th. Winners will be announce on Saturday 26th Sep in Temple gate Hotel. There will also be an award presented to Irish Designer Paul Costelloe for his contribution to the Irish fashion Industry. Anne in the Flower Den will be creating fabulous boquets for our winners.

Lancôme will once again be the official make up and beauty partner of The Clare and Irish Fashion Designers Showcase (CIFDS) with artistry for the show created by the Lancome staff in Rochford’s pharmacy Ennis. Lancôme have kindly sponsored gift bags for the event and the best dressed prize. Peter Mark are again our official  hair partner and will create looks for the show.  RSVP magazine is our national media partner and will be on hand from 7pm for social photography by award winning photographer Martina Regan.