Move to include children’s shoes in “essential retail” welcome – Retail Ireland

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, today welcomed the statement this afternoon by Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly that he wanted shops selling children’s shoes added to the list of what is deemed “essential retail” immediately. The group said that the current distinction between what was deemed “essential” and “non-essential” did not reflect the crucial needs of consumers during these protracted Covid restrictions. 

Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: “The delayed reopening of the wider retail sector has compounded the serious difficulties many retailers deemed “non-essential” are facing. It is also leading to heightened frustration among consumers, who want ready access to the products they need, such as children’s shoes. A significant number of retailers will not survive the crisis without enhanced and prolonged Government support.”