Upbeat retailers declare turning point

Retailers are predicting a growth in shopping and spending this year as the sector declares it has reached a turning point in recovery from the recession.

However, in a warning to trade unions, they say recent talk of widescale pay rises for workers could derail progress and discourage employers from creating new jobs.

Retail Ireland estimates consumer spending will rise by 2.7% in 2015, more than double the 1.3% growth last year, the first year of growth since the recession.