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The retail sector has warned that any move to close stores deemed “nonessential” would be a massive hit to the sector and could see another 60,000 jobs lost in retail.
Retail Excellence has urged the government to classify all retail stores as essential so they can remain open in the run-up to Christmas.
At levels 4 and 5, only essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, can remain open.
Retail Excellence said that a forced closure of “non-essential” retail stores at this time of year would cause permanent and serious damage to the Irish non-food retail sector and could cost an additional 60,000 jobs.
“Any move to level 4 or higher will have a devastating impact on the retail industry, particularly smaller retailers that are not yet operating online.
“We cannot shut down the industry at this time of year,” the group said.
Retail Excellence said that since the outbreak of the pandemic, retailers have strictly followed all government advice and guidelines and invested heavily to ensure their facilities are safe.
The number of cases linked to retail is minimal, and he warned that closing now will seriously reduce the holiday shopping season.
“There will be a big increase in online shopping this year. We know that 70% of online spending goes to overseas retailers and we urge shoppers to connect to Irish websites and shop locally,” said the group.
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Retail Ireland, the Ibec group representing the Irish retail sector, also said that any move to shut down retail deemed “nonessential” would be a massive blow to the sector, which is still recovering from the close at the beginning of the year.
Retail Ireland said that while there is government support for affected businesses, those without a developed online offering will have particular difficulties.
Many retailers across the country rely on the Christmas business period to stay in business, he added.
Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said that no other European country is actively looking at the level of nationwide retail restrictions currently being considered for Ireland.
“The retail sector has radically transformed the way it operates, with face masks, social distancing and other hygiene measures, to ensure a safe and highly controlled environment for customers and staff,” said Dillon.
“With only a fraction of Covid clusters linked to retail environments, it is critical that policy makers establish the risk assessment that has informed this decision and a strategy to undo any measures introduced. Covid will be with us for some time and customers need easy access to the products they need on a regular basis, “he added.
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