A MAJOR UK-based retail expo comes to Dublin next month for the first time, as the Irish retail market shows signs of recovery from the economic slump.

A turnaround in the fortunes and occupancy levels of Cork city’s premier retail boulevard Patrick Street is predicted in the next year, with significant national international brand names set to arrive and take significant floor space.

Workers in the Wallis retail outlet on Grafton Street in Dublin are going on strike this morning.

IRISH shoppers are being forced to pay more than their British counterparts for the same items of clothing in leading high-street stores.