Retail welcomes clarity from National Economic Recovery Plan but challenges remain

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group the represents the retail sector, today said the new National Economic Recovery Plan provides important clarity for retail businesses on how government supports will operate over the coming months. The group welcomed the extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the tax warehousing scheme and the commercial rates waiver. However, it cautioned that the revival of economic and social life in our urban centres was a prerequisite to a sustainable retail recovery. 

Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said:  “While the extension of supports over the coming months is welcome, a sustainable retail recovery requires commercial and social life to return to our towns and cities. A roadmap for reopening offices is needed, along with a comprehensive plan to breathe fresh life into the wider experience economy.

“Digitalisation is recognised as crucial to the competitiveness of businesses into the future. The  continuation of the Trading Online Voucher and the Online Retail Scheme will help retailers reach new customers. It is crucial that additional funding supports in this area are made available to domestic facing businesses, not just those serving export markets.

“Retail Ireland and our members have long been supporters of upskilling and lifelong learning. We are glad to see that Government has committed significant funding to this area.”