International retail chains 'planning Irish exit in 2012'

A number of international retail chains will leave the Irish market next year, according to Retail Excellence Ireland.

The group says a number of businesses are deciding whether or not to remain in the market based on sales over the Christmas period.

However, it says many have already made the decision because of high rents in Ireland.

CEO of Retail Excellence David Fitzsimmons says people have yet to really engage in Christmas shopping - and that will have a knock-on effect on businesses next year.

"A lot of retailers do 30% of their volume over these weeks (leading up to Christmas)," he said, "so we hope customers come out."