Brown Thomas Arnotts is delighted to announce the launch of Pitch ’25, its celebrated start-up initiative, now open for applications. Returning bigger and better than ever, Pitch ’25 offers ambitious entrepreneurs and emerging brands across Ireland the opportunity to win a prize package valued at €70,000 — and a major retail platform in the heart of Dublin.
Now in its fifth year, Pitch is a flagship programme created to champion Ireland’s most exciting new businesses. Finalists will have the opportunity to trade at the 2025 Arnotts Christmas Market, one of the most anticipated retail moments of the year, alongside exclusive mentorship, and brand-building support.
The winner of Pitch ’25 will receive:
- A €10,000 business development fund from Brown Thomas Arnotts
- Financial mentoring from Pitch sponsor BKK Financial Advisors
- A media campaign fund
- Plus, the opportunity to sell and showcase their brand at Arnotts Dublin during the busiest retail trading time of the year.
Applications are open to entrepreneurs based in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland working across fashion, beauty, jewellery, lifestyle, food and nutrition, circular products, or tech-driven goods. Applicants must have a developed product or service and demonstrate clear potential for scaling by peak retail season.
This year’s judging panel includes:
- Ciara Crilly, Creative and Marketing Director, Brown Thomas Arnotts
- Edel Woods, Head of Home & Lifestyle Buying, Brown Thomas Arnotts
- Donnine Burness, Deputy General Manager, Arnotts
- Special guest judge this year is Lauren McDonald, Founder of Lynott Jewellery.
Speaking about the launch, Ciara Crilly, Creative and Marketing Director, Brown Thomas Arnotts, said:
“Pitch ’25 is a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. It reflects our commitment to supporting new Irish businesses by offering them the platform, mentorship, and exposure needed to scale and succeed. We are excited to discover the next generation of exceptional brands through this year’s competition.”
New to the judging panel this year, Lauren McDonald brings a valuable founder’s perspective to Pitch ’25. Having successfully grown Lynott Jewellery from a digital-first start-up to a permanent in-store brand — most recently launching in Brown Thomas Cork — Lauren understands the grit, creativity, and strategic vision required to scale a business in today’s retail landscape.
She shares: “I’m genuinely honoured to be a judge for Pitch ’25. As a founder, I understand first-hand how challenging and rewarding it is to grow a brand from the ground up. Opportunities like this — to receive expert guidance, retail exposure, and connect with a wider audience — can make all the difference in those early stages. I’m really looking forward to hearing the stories behind this year’s businesses, and to supporting passionate entrepreneurs as they take the next step on their journey.” — Lauren McDonald, Founder, Lynott Jewellery.
Entries must be submitted by midnight on the 25th of May 2025 and businesses must be based in Ireland. To find out more and apply, visit: pitch.arnotts.ie
NO REPRO FEE 11/01/2023 Brown Thomas Arnotts Head of Enterprise Vena Doyle pictured with Gary and Ciara Malone, founders of Brushdoc as they are announced the winner of Pitch’22. Gary and Ciara Malone won a €10,000 business development fund and have secured the amazing opportunity of retail space at Arnotts, both in-store and online. Brushdoc is a revolutionary tool that cleans makeup brushes and sponges in seconds, thanks to its advanced rotating technology that allows the user to achieve a deep clean with minimal effort. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
