Retailers remain optimistic despite chilly forecast

A forecast of cold weather over the next few days combined with the potential impact of the budget on spending has sent a chill through retailers across the county.

Met Éireann predictions for snow this week have raised fears among traders that consumers will be deterred from hitting the shops.

However, retailers are cautiously optimistic that sales levels will hold up over the final two weeks before Dec 25, with the advent of Christmas markets in most cities providing a much-needed shopping attraction.