Retail sector to see 25% fall in Christmas sales
The arctic weather is adding to the worries of the crippled retail sector, as would-be Christmas shoppers stay at home.
The value of sales for 2010 is already expected to be down 25% on figures for 2007.
Retailers had been hoping to end the year on a high, but the wintry weather has had a negative impact on expected footfall.
Torlach Denihan from Retail Ireland said there is a limited window of opportunity to capitalise on the Christmas market.
Mr Denihan said: "We're up against a cut-off at Christmas Eve and things have to happen in terms of Christmas shopping. If it doesn't happen this week, it won't happen at all. That is why it is so, so serious."
