Top stories in the papers this week 25 November – 1 December 2011
ShelfLife helps retailers overcome tough issues; 'Mega Monday' splurge by online shoppers; Budget 2012 must ‘boost confidence’ – retailers
Print30 November 2011
Click here to find out who scooped the title of National C-Store of the Year 2011 at last night’s ShelfLife C-Store Awards
1. ShelfLife helps retailers overcome tough issues
ShelfLife magazine has been instrumental in putting together a government advisory report for small businesses to tackle some of the most pertinent problems plauging the sector. ShelfLife publisher, John McDonald, was part of the Advisory for Small Business; which helped Minister for State and Small Business, John Perry, to compile this report, with dealt with issues such as combating Ireland’s illicit tobacco trade.
2. ‘Mega Monday’ splurge by online shoppers
Irish consumers are expected to spend €257m in online purchases in the run up to Christmas – more than their European counterparts, reports the Irish Independent. Online retailers enjoyed ‘Mega Monday’ this week – the busiest online shopping day due to people ordering in time to get delivery before Christmas – with some 82% of Irish shoppers were expected to spend online, according to Visa Europe research.
3. Budget 2012 must ‘boost confidence’ – retailers
Retailers have demanded no hikes in excise duty as a survey showed a sixth of motorists plan to Christmas shop across the border. The Irish Independent reports that a poll by AA Travel Insurance reveals that of 11,500 people surveyed, almost 18% said they were planning to cross the border in the festive run up, up from 16% last year. Retail Ireland said the forthcoming Budget must take steps to boost consumer confidence.
4. Most small business loans approved
More than two-thirds of loan applications by small businesses this year were approved, a new report commissioned by the Department of Finance has revealed. The Irish Examiner reports that 70% of SMEs that had applied to banks between April and September were successful. The Government has also announced an action plan to boost lending to viable SMEs falling just shy of the banks’ strict lending rules.
5. Consumers not in mood for spending in October
Retailers face an anxious run-up to Christmas as consumers failed to spend in October. The Irish Times reports core retail sales declined 0.2% compared to September, according to the Central Statistics Office. Small business group Isme said the retail sector was now “hanging on by a thread” after the CSO published the figures. They show core sales, which exclude cars, are 3.6% down on last October.
Also:
No Christmas cheer at shops as jobs slashed (Belfast Telegraph)
Large stores levy will help our retailers (Belfast Telegraph)
Retail fears as spending stays weak (Irish Examiner)
Shoppers flock online in search of festive bargains (Irish Examiner)
Retailers seek excise duty freeze (Clare Herald)
Robust US shopping cheers stocks (Evening Echo)
Finance Minister admits to assumption that spending levels won’t be hit by VAT increase (Irish Central)
Retailers warn against tax increase (Belfast Telegraph)
Indian parliament in stand-off over stores (Irish Times)
Councillors vote not to contravene Cork city development plan (96fm)
6c/kg drop in beef follows big squeeze by processors (Irish Independent)
Traders advised on festive opening hours (Gorey Guardian)
Dublin rents ranked more highly than its yields (Irish Independent)
Reits could revive Irish investment market (Irish Times)
Shops fear effects of proposed VAT hike (Sligo Champion)
Average family’s net income is down €613 (Irish Examiner)
Call for action on retail rents as survey indicates over 50,000 jobs lost (Irish Examiner)
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