Irish retailers hardest hit in Europe by Covid restrictions, study shows
Grafton Street Picture Shops Covid File Dublin's Shuttered On Due Restrictions To
There are renewed calls for an early re-opening of non-essential shops on the back of new data showing Ireland has suffered a heavier fall in retail customer footfall than anywhere else in Europe, due to the country’s stricter Covid lockdown restrictions.
The research from Ibec group Retail Ireland excludes essential retail such as supermarkets and pharmacies, but shows consumers had begun to adjust their shopping behaviour long before the current lockdown restrictions came into place late last month.
Retail Ireland also said shop-owners are increasingly concerned about their ability to manage social distancing, queues and stock replenishment during the narrow three-week period in December that they are likely to be able to open in the run-up to Christmas.
The group has called for an unwinding of current retail restrictions in advance of December, to safely manage the expected pent-up demand.
Footfall in Irish retail has fallen more than anywhere else in Europe since the start of the Covid crisis.
— Ibec (@ibec_irl) November 17, 2020
That's according to the latest research from @Retail_Irl in their Retail Monitor report published today. Full details available below ⤵️
🔗 https://t.co/Sg25vfwDs4 pic.twitter.com/9PsWcMSZVA
"The run-up to Christmas is make or break for many retailers and every day counts. Many are relying on the period to make up for the major financial hit taken earlier in the year," said Retail Ireland director Arnold Dillon.
"While significant government supports are welcome, more is needed to help retailers manage commercial rent liabilities that continue to accrue during lockdown."