Retail Sales Activity 'Is Being Hammered' Since Bus Strike Began

By Donna Ahern
Retail Sales Activity 'Is Being Hammered' Since Bus Strike Began

It is clear that footfall is 'falling dramatically' and retail sales activity 'is being hammered' since strike action began on 24 March, said Retail Excellence (RE).

In a statement it issued today (7 April) it outlined that retailers and retail workers 'are being drastically impacted' and it is calling for a swift resolution to the Bus Éireann impasse.

Lorraine Higgins, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Retail Excellence said “It is disappointing to learn that there is no sign of a breakthrough following the overnight talks aimed at resolving the strike. The strike has caused widespread travel disruption nationwide and consequently has decimated footfall in our town centres. When you consider that there are no Bus Éireann services for 15 days now it is clear the upheaval is huge and the damage is unquantifiable”.

“We are continuing to field calls from understandably exasperated retailers throughout the country informing us of the impact on their business. In fact, one Cork retailer informed us that on one of the busiest shopping streets in the City he recorded interaction with just one customer over the course of a full day earlier this week." She added.

Higgins also highlighted that retail workers are struggling to get to their workplace and are faced with huge alternative transportation costs which is putting huge financial pressure on them.

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“This is an unsustainable situation and direct intervention is needed as a matter of urgency. Retailers and the workers are the collateral damage in this dispute which is costing everyone in the industry” Lorraine Higgins concluded.

© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern

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