Retail Excellence has said that it expects to see an estimated 1,500 stores opening across Ireland next Monday (18 May, 2020) as part of phase one.
"Some will open cautiously with garden centre restaurants remaining closed and consultative areas in DIY stores such as paint and kitchen opening on a reservation only basis," said David Fitzsimons, group chief executive, Retail Excellence.
Fitzsimons said that cost of opening will be approximately €5,000 per store, due to the large format size of stores in garden and DIY sectors.
"We are on the bottom rung of the ladder, but at least we have started climbing which is a positive. The Government need to now step up to the mark and deliver meaningful supports," he said.
Fitzsimons added: "We need a rent grant measure, greater liquidity measures and a 12 month rates waiver. If not delivered, we will see 80,000 – 100,000 retail industry colleagues not return to work."
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
