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Retail Excellence has called on store owners to abide by the rules amid reports that some non-essential retailers justify opening by stocking small quantities of items classified as essential, while some essential retailers continue to sell items deemed non-essential. .
Duncan Graham, CEO of Retail Excellence, said there should be a level playing field for everyone involved in the retail space while the country is under Tier 5 restrictions.
“Our message to retailers is to do the right thing,” he said.
“Let’s get through this together,” he added.
The appeal comes amid reports that some stores have placed essential stock in areas of their stores where non-essential items are sold.
Paul Allen runs the Allens chain of homeware and gift stores in Kilkenny, Athlone, Carlow and Limerick, all of which are closed today.
He said he had come across examples this morning where large essential retailers were selling non-essential items, against the rules.
Under Level 5 restrictions, retailers with a mixed retail offering that have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retailers must arrange for the separation of relevant areas.
However, Allen claimed that is not happening everywhere and that some stores were placing essential items among non-essentials so that those areas of the store could also remain open to shoppers.
He also claimed that the rules were not being applied.
Allen said that by the letter of the law, his stores could open, but that he had chosen to close them to “do the right thing.”
Many small retailers had just bought Christmas stocks but are now unable to sell them because they have had to close, he added.
But if other multiples are allowed to continue to sell similar stocks, it will lead to a retail revolt, he said.
Duncan Graham said it’s not fair for small retailers that sell clothing or gifts, for example, to close if other retailers continue to sell similar items.
He said that if stores are doing things that will encourage shoppers to enter their stores, all they will accomplish is delay the reopening date for everyone.
It also called on the government to take a proactive role in enforcing the rules.
Last night the Tánaiste held a meeting with retail representatives and reiterated the government’s position on the issues.
In a post-meeting tweet, Leo Varadkar said he had taken the opportunity to “highlight the importance of everyone adhering to the spirit of the guidelines for this to work.”
“Essential retailers must be fair to non-essential retailers,” he said.
A Tánaiste department spokesperson said essential retailers were also reminded today of the need to be fair to non-essential retailers, meaning they should only sell items that are within their purview as an essential retailer.
“The new regulations went into effect at midnight last night and the commitment to essential retailers continues in this regard,” the spokesperson said.
Retailers were also asked to stagger opening hours to reduce pressure on public transportation, they added.
“Major multiples have committed to meeting Tier 5 requirements. This commitment is welcome and there will be an ongoing commitment with them to ensure it is met,” the spokesperson said.
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