While retailers overall report a relatively positive Christmas season, smaller businesses struggle to keep up with larger chains.
The Christmas season is pivotal to the two sectors, with one-third of all restaurant income coming from the six-week run-up to Christmas alone. While it has been a ‘difficult year’ for the industry, the general verdict from retailers after Christmas has been ‘relatively positive’.“I guess the budget, while it might have failed to deliver for retail, it did put two billion into consumer’s pockets in November and December, so I think retailers got to see the fruits of that.
” Shoppers on Henry Street in Dublin city centre on St Stephen's Day in 2020. Image: NurPhoto SRL / Alamy However, Ms McCabe said that most of this positivity came from larger shops, while small and medium businesses (SMEs) found it difficult to keep up. “If we look at, let’s say Black Friday for example, we did a survey with our members to see how they fared,” she said. “What was very evident from the data was that the large multiples did really well over Black Friday week - or kind of month - and nearly double-digit growth, while the SMEs saw nearly double-digit declines. “So, there’s a kind of a split happening within the industry of who’s getting to trade well and who’s not.”According to Ms McCabe, footfall within shops was ‘decent’, but those who did shop in person tended to make larger purchases. “The reports from members are that they traded exceptionally well online over the Christmas period, but equally had seen decent footfall in stores,” she said. “Maybe slight declines in some areas in footfall, but the average transaction value of that customer made up for it.and the impact of that made people actually walk in the doors of stores also, in fear that they might not get their deliveries on tim
RETAIL CHRISTMAS SALES SMALL BUSINESSES ECONOMY
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rachael Blackmore targeting Christmas return as she sees plans for new facilityThe Grand National-winning rider has not been in action since injuring her neck in a fall in September but is aiming to return during the week before Christmas
Read more »
Retailers report better-than-expected Christmas sales after ‘challenging year’Sector expects €8.9 billion in retail spending in December, €3 billion more than in other months
Read more »
TikTok Approved Christmas Recipes Making Our Tummies RumbleTikTok Approved Christmas Recipes Making Our Tummies Rumble TikTok Approved Christmas Recipes Making Our Tummies Rumble
Read more »
Fair City Christmas Drama: Damien's Return, Tyler's Revenge and Carol's Christmas ChaosGet ready for a festive season full of drama in Carrigstown as Fair City serves up an unmissable holiday lineup. Damien Halpin's return, Tyler Monroe's sinister plans and a new love interest for Carol Foley are just some of the surprises in store.
Read more »
White Christmas Hopes Dashed as Ireland Faces Record-Breaking Christmas HeatDespite the slim chance of a White Christmas, Ireland is bracing for a record-breaking warm Christmas with temperatures reaching double figures and potentially surpassing the current warmest Christmas ever recorded.
Read more »
Christmas Supermarkets Opening Hours: Lidl and Aldi Christmas Week PlansGet ready for Christmas with this guide to Lidl and Aldi's opening hours during the festive season. Check their Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day schedules to avoid any last-minute dashes to the shops.
Read more »