There’s a growing call among Clare retailers of an urgent need to re-introduce click and collect services.
It comes amid concern that more than 25,000 jobs could be permanently lost, on account of the pandemic.
Today marks exactly one year since non-essential retail was closed for the first time and fears are mounting that time is running out for many businesses.
Ennis-based lobby group Retail Excellence fears that at least 25,000 retail staff will permanently lose their jobs on account of closures during the pandemic.
Click and collect services kept many businesses afloat in previous lockdowns, but since January 6th, retailers have been banned from offering the service
Managing Director of Retail Excellence, Duncan Graham says Ireland should follow in the footsteps of Northern Ireland, where it will be allowed from April 12th.
The service was suspended due to concerns over the spread of covid-19, once the UK variant of the virus led to a significant spike in cases.
Dervilla Evans of Ennis Bookshop believes it can be offered safely in shops in regional towns.
Another prominent Clare retailer says it’s now imperative that click and collect is allowed once more, in order to save many businesses.
Patrick Burke of Bourke’s Menswear in Ennis and Kilrush says it was a lifeline that helped many to survive, just about, but he warn they can’t hold on for much longer.
