IBEC group Retail Ireland has published a 'Strategy for Retail 2014-2016', which it claims can help the retail trade to create up to 40,000 new jobs by 2020, provided a 'sustainable path to recovery' can be implemented.
Among the measures being put forward by the group include policies to improve the 'ecosystem' in which retail operates, through the development of strategic alliance with the government and representative groups; assistance with upskilling of workers; encouraging responsible retailing initiatives such as RRAI and European codes of practice and assisting Irish retailers to gain a larger share of the online market.
Retail Ireland Director Stephen Lynam said there are continued reasons to be optimistic about the retail sector here. "Consumer sentiment is at a five year high and there are 58,000 new jobs in the economy," he said. "This should translate into higher spending this Christmas. Together with the fantastic value available in Irish stores right now, we are hopeful that tills will be ringing in the coming weeks."
"A resurgent retail sector will also have a direct impact on the social and commercial lives of our towns and cities, which have been badly hit by shop closures and the resulting job losses."
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
