Retail Excellence is today (4 July) calling for targeted solutions for retailers in Budget 2019.
“In an increasingly boundary-less retail environment the representative body are seeking additional online supports and tax fairness measures to protect retailers from the onslaught of cheap, non-European imports,” the retail organisation said in a statement.
“Despite record numbers back at work Irish retail remains vulnerable. Traditionally, a booming economy would mean increased spend in retail outlets but consumer habits have changed and we must react accordingly. This is precisely why Budget 2019 demands retail focused solutions," Lorraine Higgins, Chief Executive of Retail Excellence said.
In their Budget 2019 submission titled “Retail: Sustaining and Growing an Economy”, Retail Excellence are also seeking a general cut in consumption taxes, a reduction in the cost of doing business, increased funding to get retailers online, increased infrastructural investment, Garda resources, town renewal funding, investment in the Home Renewal Scheme, introduction of measures to increase our competitiveness and improved access to finance.
“One of the single biggest threats to bricks and mortar stores in Ireland and, consequently the retail mix and vibrancy of our town centres, is the glut of cheap, non-European imports being bought by Irish consumers online. The prices of these goods and products are generally distorted as many distance sellers are not registered for VAT in Ireland and therefore do not apply same or duties to the product price which leaves our retailers at a competitive disadvantage. Consequentially, this is a tax fairness issue”.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
