Clare Retailers are forecasting a modest increase in spending this festive season.
It comes as consumers are being encouraged to support local businesses, with Black Friday just two weeks away.
Traditionally, retailers treated December 8th as the beginning of the Christmas spending season.
However, the adopted American tradition of Black Friday, which takes place on the final Friday of November, has increasingly overtaken that practice.
Ireland recorded it’s highest-ever Black Friday spend last year, with the average consumer dropping €283 on goods throughout the weekend.
Nationally, 64% of Irish sales took place online, compared with just 36% on the high street.
Ennis based Retail Excellence Ireland CEO Jean McCabe says the offering in local stores, particularly in Ennis is second to none.
A Kilrush retailer, meanwhile, is optimistic that local businesses will enjoy healthy trade this Christmas.
Owner of Gleesons Hardware and Household, Paul Gleeson, believes the recent Public Sector Pay Deal will give more people the opportunity to support businesses in their towns and villages.
Listen to the full interview here:
