Consultancy for supermarket owners in Ireland, for buying, running and growing a store
A supermarket runs on thin margins, mixed VAT rates and a lot of moving parts. We help owners and buyers see the numbers clearly, make the big decisions with confidence and stay on the right side of the rules.
What each part of the shop brings with it
- Most unprepared food is zero-rated
- Hot food counters follow the restaurant and takeaway rate
- Cold takeaway food is zero-rated
- Confectionery is at 23%
- Soft drinks, alcohol and bottled water at 23%
- Register with Re-turn if you sell in-scope bottles and cans
- An off-licence is needed to sell alcohol
- Household goods are generally at 23%
- Check each product line, as a few have special rates
- Stock value matters at year end
- Lottery, parcels and bill pay earn commission
- Record commission separately from sales
- VAT treatment can differ from shop sales
What we check when you buy a supermarket
Four questions most supermarket owners face
Three costs that decide whether the numbers work
Wages and rosters
The minimum wage rises by 79 cent in January 2027. Hours, cover and staff turnover should all be in your budget.
Stock you cannot sell
Fresh food that expires and goods that go missing come straight off profit. Tracking them by category shows where to act.
Rent, rates and energy
Rent or mortgage, local authority rates and energy bills add up. Check them against sales per square metre before you commit.
Three supermarket myths
Questions supermarket owners ask us
Short, plain answers to what people ask us most.
Which VAT rates apply in a supermarket?
Most everyday food is zero-rated. Alcohol, soft drinks, confectionery and most non-food items are at 23%. A hot food counter follows the restaurant and takeaway rules, which moved to 9% from 1 July 2026.
Do I need to register for the deposit return scheme?
If you sell in-scope drinks bottles and cans, yes: all retailers must register with Re-turn, the scheme operator. You then offer take-back, or apply for an exemption if you qualify. Smaller shops can apply.
Do I need a licence to sell alcohol?
Yes. Selling alcohol to take away needs an off-licence.
Should I join a symbol group or stay independent?
It depends on your location, your customers and how much support you want. Symbol groups offer a brand and buying power, with fees and rules. We compare both options using your numbers.
What should I look at before buying a supermarket?
Several years of accounts, margin by category, staff costs, rent and rates, stock levels, the lease and any group agreement. We go through all of it before you commit.
What is the minimum wage?
€14.15 an hour in 2026, rising by 79 cent in January 2027. In a labour-heavy business, that change belongs in your budget early.
Related services
Planning to buy, run or grow a supermarket?
Tell us about the shop and your plans. We will give you a straight view of the numbers.
- Whether you are buying, running or expanding
- The size and location of the shop
- Your current or expected turnover
- How you plan to fund it
Contact Us
Office Address
Unit 80, Cherry Orchard Business Park, D10NX96, Dublin 10, Ireland
Working Hours
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Email or Call Us
Email: moh@tasconsulting.ie
Mobile: +353 85 1477625