Pre-tax losses at the main Irish arm of adult sex toy and lingerie retailer Ann Summers last year increased by 28% to €219,789.
Ann Summers Ireland (Retail) Ltd operates two bricks and mortar stores here and revenues dipped further by 3% from €1.82m to €1.77m in the 12 months to the end of June last.
The pre-tax losses of €219,789 follow pre-tax losses of €170,088 in the prior year.
Against the background of rising losses and declining revenues, the CEO of Ann Summers, Maria Hollins, states that “the financial year 2024-25 presented another challenging period for retailers across Ireland and the UK, with inflationary pressures, higher operating costs, and continued pressure on consumer spending”.
The retail operation comprises stores at Henry Street in Dublin and Princes Street in Cork and in a statement accompanying the accounts, Ms Hollins states that “trading conditions remained difficult throughout the year, with discretionary spend under pressure and footfall impacted by wider economic uncertainty”.
In the statement signed off on March 26, 2026, Ms Hollins added that cost control and disciplined stock management continued to be key priorities in managing the business.
“Looking ahead, the business remains focused on delivering a stable and efficient retail operation in Ireland,” she says.
Ms Hollins states that priorities for the coming year include maintaining strong product availability, managing costs, enhancing customer experience, and benefiting from group wide initiatives in digital investment and sustainability.
On the Irish company’s future plans, the directors state that it plans to profitably grow the business through acquiring and retaining customers through greater brand reach, desirability and relevance; delivering market-leading product and driving growth through new markets and opportunities.
In the prior year, UK arm Ann Summers (UK) Holdings Ltd recorded a £2.095m loan impairment charge to its Irish business arising from expected reduced cash flows from its Irish operation in the future.
Numbers employed at the Irish retail arm reduced from 23 to 19 last year as staff costs declined from €457,695 to €415,964.
Operating lease rentals increased sharply from €284,018 to €424,559 as non-cash depreciation costs declined from €59,093 to €35,750.
The loss last year resulted in a shareholders’ deficit increasing from €2.96m to €3.18m.
Separate accounts for the UK parent arm, Ann Summers (UK) Holdings Ltd which operates 75 stores across the UK, show its pre-tax losses more than halved to £6.4m as revenues increased slightly to £93.4m.
In 2000, Dublin City Council withdrew a High Court action against Ann Summers from operating its first Irish outlet.
The local authority had said it formed the view that the existence of such a shop at Lower O’Connell Street was contrary to proper planning and development of the area.
However, the action was successfully challenged by Ann Summers in the courts when the City Council withdrew its Section 37 notice under the Local Government Regulations, which had been the subject of the proceedings.
Reporting by Gordon Deegan
