As we enter the final few shopping days before Christmas, shop-owners in Ennis are reporting trade as being steady.
As we enter the final few shopping days before Christmas, shop-owners in Ennis are reporting trade as being steady.
Despite concern from a group representing retailers over a fall off in festive sales this year, traders in the county town says they're pleased overall with business so far.
Retail Excellence Ireland has this week expressed concern over a slump in sales across a number of sectors, including electronics, beauty, telecoms and ladieswear.
The Ennis-based lobby group cites poor consumer sentiment, as well as increased online sales and the impact of Black Friday.
However, business-owners in the county town say they're reasonably happy with the custom they've received so far.
Padraig Haugh of Manix Menswear on Lower Market Street is hoping for a further pick-up in the coming days.
Some fears have been expressed that poor weather that's being forecast for the coming days may hamper the late Christmas rush.
However, Mary Kelly of the Card Shop on O'Connell Street says businesses have been generally lucky with the weather this year.
Overall, traders are reporting a steady growth in 2016.
Patrick Bourke of Patrick Bourke's Menswear on High Street says they experienced a slow start to the year, but a number of factors have lead to an improvement in trade as the year has gone on.
