Irish retailers are predicting a drop of -0.47 per cent in Christmas 2012 trading, according to a survey published by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI ), Ireland’s largest retail industry trade body.
The survey of 173 retail companies, which have more than 1,550 stores around the country highlights that predicted retail sales for December 2012 will be down 0.47 per cent, when compared with December 2011, despite retailers offering the best value and service this Christmas season. The survey also reveals that 60 per cent of retailers feel they will experience growth or like for like parity when compared with December 2011.
David Fitzsimons, REI chief executive officer, said: “While the expectation among a significant cohort of retail companies is for marginal negative growth this Christmas, it is heartening to see that almost 60 per cent of all operators expect to enjoy growth or at minimum like for like parity.
“While factors like Budget 2013 and weather patterns over the Christmas period will have a significant influence over the ultimate trading outcome, it is clear that retailers are becoming most bullish about their future prospects.”
