Retail Ireland June Monitor

Consumer confidence saw a modest lift in May, helped by easing global trade tensions and stable domestic economic data. However, the mood remains well below historic trends, reflecting continued cost-of-living concerns. Uncertainty driven by US trade policy has increased the need to focus on controlling domestic business costs, and that’s where our work is focussed. The transition to the Living Wage has been extended and planned statutory sick pay extensions halted, which is welcome. Further reducing the regulatory burden to help businesses remain competitive in a challenging retail environment is key.