Retail Ireland says online activity will continue after non-esstential shops told to close
Retail Excellence is expecting the government to order the shut-down of non-essential commerce later today, and points out that online activity will continue.
In a statement this morning, the group said:
“It is now likely that we will now enter a phase where the Irish Government, based on medical advice and economic issues pertaining to the border counties, will decree that all non-essential retail and commerce must close on a temporary basis.
"We urge members and all retailers to follow our Government’s advice.
"All online activity will continue to operate as normal. Please be patient when shopping online. There has been a significant increase in online shopping demand and thus fulfilment and delivery is taking longer than normal.
"We now must use common sense. Grocery retailers with multiple departments should shut all textiles, clothing and homeware departments and prioritise food. Other essential retailers might curtail certain categories such as a supermarket closing ice-cream counters.
"Non-essential retailers such as consumer electronics will continue online but might have a phone number available to provide an emergency order and curb side delivery service of an essential item, such as a cooker or fridge to an elderly member of society.
All commerce, whether essential or non-essential warehouse work, must be conducted within the clear distancing and other health and safety protocols.
“Stay safe.”
(Established in 1995, Retail Excellence has more than 2,000 leading retail companies in Ireland. It is the largest retail industry body in Ireland.)