Spend in stores falls 17% in Q1

SHOPPERS spent 17% less in Irish stores during the first three months of the year with fashion and jewellery sales particularly hit.

Figures released by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) show January was the best performing out of the three months.

It said this is “alarming” as January is traditionally the weakest month of the year following the Christmas boom and this indicates how dire the situation is.