Retailers set to face further staff shortages towards Christmas due to energy costs

Retail Excellence Ireland said a small business owner who previously spent €20k-€30k a year on energy is now looking at annual bills in the region of €120,000

Convenience stores are among the worst impacted by soaring energy costs due to their long opening hours, said cheif executive of Retail Excellence Ireland Duncan Graham. Stock picture: Getty

A retail representative body warned that the industry could face further staff shortages as businesses prioritise paying high energy bills as winter looms closer.

Retail Excellence Ireland said that a small business owner with a few shops that previously paid €20,000-€30,000 a year on their energy bills is now looking at bills in the region of €120,000 a year.