Category Archives: News

An overview of recent, information - packed retail business news

Consumer behavior instability since the onset of COVID-19

According to economic data analyzed by the Bank of Ireland, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected consumer buying decisions. The government’s response to the coronavirus through forced restrictions saw the closure of many industries. This negatively impacted consumer outlook and disposable income, leading to a fall in spending. However, there’s been a noticeable positive change…

Central Bank warns economy could shrink by up to 14%

The Central Bank has said the economy could shrink this year by up to 14%, while it has also warned that unemployment could average as high as 17% this year.  In its latest Quarterly Bulletin, the Central Bank also highlighted the risks to the economy of a no-deal Brexit.  The Central Bank has said there is…

Number of insolvencies down 12% as Covid-19 impact not fully materialised

There was a reduction in the number of company insolvencies in the first six months of this year, according to new figures from Deloitte. Today’s figures suggests that the impact of Covid-19 has not fully materialised.  Deloittes said there were 273 company insolvencies between January and the end of June, a reduction of 12% on…

Spend yesterday approached pre-Covid levels – Revolut

Hairdressers, barbers, spas, chiropractors and dentists were among the big beneficiaries of the Phase 3 reopening of the economy yesterday, according to transaction data from Revolut. Pubs and restaurants also got a boost from the restart of business, although to a lesser extent than the other big winners. Excluding online shopping, overall spending yesterday by…

Covid-19 committee hears SMEs call for more Govt funding to survive

The Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response has heard calls for more help for small and medium businesses affected by the pandemic. The Chair of SME Recovery Ireland, John Moran, told politicians that small and medium businesses across Ireland are dying and need more funding to help them to survive. In his opening statement, Mr Moran called…

Euro zone factory downturn eased in June as lockdowns loosened

The downturn in euro zone manufacturing was not as bad as initially thought last month after more economies in the bloc eased restrictions imposed to quell the spread of the coronavirus.  Over 10 million people have been infected by the virus globally and more than 500,000 have died. This lead governments to impose lockdowns and force…