Retail Excellence Ireland, a group that represents the retail sector in Ireland, has announced that it expects Christmas trading across most sectors to be ‘on a par’ with that recorded in 2015.
The group noted that there ‘has been noticeable difference in fortunes across sectors with the volatility experienced a clear indication of the challenges faced by the retail industry’.
“Consumer shopping patterns are changing with savvy consumers researching online and instore for the best prices, discounting and ease of shopping experience,” said Lynn Drumgoole, Communications Director with Retail Excellence Ireland.
“The impact of Black Friday cannot be ignored but with two full days of trading left and many people finishing work and travelling home we should see local stores benefit as people buy those last minute gifts.”
The group noted that grocery and alcohol sales are at parity with last year, while online sales are ‘significantly’ up.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
