Omicron to hit 'Irish Christmas retail, but supply chains in much better shape'

Shoppers on Oxford Street, London, on the final Saturday before Christmas. Fewer shoppers are out this week because of the surge in Omicron, which will 'dampen activity' for many retailers.
Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA

The surge of the Omicron variant will hit Irish shops this Christmas, but supply chains will likely avoid the major disruption of last year, despite lockdowns in a number of European countries, experts have said. 

Senior economist Jim Power said retailers were already telling him of their fears for Christmas trading, after footfall had fallen in recent days, with fewer shoppers and with people withdrawing from social gatherings because of the upsurge of Omicron.