Businesses across Clare are reporting mixed economic fortunes this Christmas.
While some retailers and hospitality providers in this county are seeing signs of a festive footfall boom, others have noticed a significant drop in their bottom line.
Despite the pouring rain, Clare’s last minute shopping brigade were out in force, hoping for a Christmas miracle.
The late rush is always a welcome surge for business owners, which is particularly being felt in North Clare after a challenging year.
One Entrepreneur in Ennistymon believes unfavourable weather conditions during the peak tourist season coupled with rising input costs and inflation has put the strain on trade.
Michelle Gunning from Leanna Mo Chroí Studio says the support of the community has been paramount in pulling through.
Parking has also been flagged as an issue in the town, however the owner of a prominent local café believes a culture shift is needed.
Sinéad Garvey from the Cheese Press says their enjoying a busy month following a slow start to the Winter and insists parking is readily available in Ennistymon if people change their habits.
In Ennis, the public realm works on O’Connell Street have been put on pause since November 29th to facilitate the Christmas shopping period.
One Business owner claims he’s already seeing a marked increase in footfall as a result.
Conor Harkin from Truth Menswear on Upper Parnell Street says while the works proved a major disruption, the trade-off has been worthwhile.
A Jewellers in the county town has also experienced a serious resurgence within the last month.
Founder of Blackbird on Bank Place, Katie Rogers says the bounce back came as a major but welcome suprise.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for shopping in Ireland, with AIB data indicating men spent between five and six million-euro during yesterday lunchtime alone.
Owner of Fancy That in Ennistymon Carol McGann says its been a balanced year overall with no major growth, but has a cautionary tale for last minute shoppers to remember.
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