Calling shoppers ‘dear’ or ‘luv’ could be costly for traders

Don’t call me “dear”, “luv” or “mammy” if you want my business.

That was the message yesterday from straight- talking politician Mary O’Rourke, as she launched a new initiative aimed at deterring retailers from using patronising form of address to older people.

The former Fianna Fáil TD and independent senator Feargal Quinn hit Dublin’s Grafton St to highlight the benefits for traders of adopting age- friendly attitudes to older shoppers.