Johnston Shopfitters’ Post

Last Friday, Storm Eowyn swept across Ireland, bringing extreme weather conditions that had a significant impact on retail footfall. Our latest analysis reveals a stark contrast in customer visits, with retail footfall nationwide unsurprisingly dropping by nearly 50% compared to the previous Friday. This sharp decline underscores the considerable challenges faced by retailers as severe weather conditions disrupted operations and deterred customers from venturing out. Despite the setbacks, the resilience and dedication of Ireland's retail workforce shone through. Since most retail outlets remained closed until early afternoon, the impact was mitigated, preventing a complete collapse in the day's turnover. As soon as the storm passed, retail teams worked tirelessly to reopen stores, ensuring communities had access to essential goods and services. From managing stock disruptions to addressing infrastructural challenges, their commitment to serving the public in difficult circumstances is truly commendable. Retailers also demonstrated remarkable adaptability, leveraging digital platforms to keep customers informed and utilising omnichannel solutions to maintain service levels. This swift response highlights the evolving nature of retail in the face of adversity and the importance of preparedness in an unpredictable climate. As we reflect on the impact of Storm Eowyn, it’s essential to acknowledge the dedication of retail professionals across the country. Their hard work and perseverance have helped minimise disruption and keep Ireland moving forward. #retail #retailireland #rei #johnstonretailservices #stormeowyn #ireland #retailexcellenceireland

42% of businesses report revenue decline due to the extreme temperatures. Here's why: Consumers avoid going out in the heat. This has impacted shops and restaurants. Construction sites are on halt due to safety concerns This further cripples the local economy. The Bottom Line? Heat wave poses a serious threat to our economic well-being.   What can we do? We need to find ways to adapt. This way we can mitigate the impact of the scorching summers.   This could involve: Make a conscious effort to shop and dine locally. Encourage businesses to offer online shopping, delivery options, and indoor dining promotions. Explore infrastructure changes like wider sidewalks with shade trees. By working together, we can weather the heat and keep our community thriving. What do you think? #heatwave #localbusiness #revenue

Just as we are about to debate the “Local Economy Strategy” https://lnkd.in/eweJZvUM 🇮🇲 The recent Business Isle of Man interview by the Chair on Manx Radio highlights a “better than expected” Christmas shopping season, with positive high street footfall - this has raised a few eyebrows and not sure it’s the view on the street. The Chair openly admitted a lack of concrete data for the period, prompting questions about the impartiality of such assessments. 🇮🇲How can this be news if no concrete data? 🇮🇲 Data based policy decision making is key to IOM future. In contexts like this, where the roles overlap between public and private interests, it’s vital to address potential conflicts openly but accurate stats is crucial. 🇮🇲 Transparency helps preserve public trust, especially as Business Isle of Man seeks Tynwald’s support for the Local Economy Strategy. 🇮🇲 Ensuring reports are data-driven and unbiased will strengthen confidence in the agency’s role and its vision for our island’s future.

#Ibec Director of Retail Ireland, Arnold Dillon, contributed to a piece in The Irish Times, discussing the impact of the Holyhead port closure, emphasising that major food retailers are now confident the port closure "will have minimal impact on customers, thanks to the contingency plans now in place." 📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eZN3twJX #IbecImpact

Local authorities and government need to look at LEZ and parking charges which is totally out of touch and counterproductive in driving the economy to our high streets and to the #hospitality and #nightlife economies. I spoke about a clear example of this at the recent #TOGETHER with Alan Miller , Michael Bergson & Donald MacLeod MBE where footfall has massively increased to out of town shopping centres across the UK as a whole instead of city centres in a large part down to the vast amounts of FREE parking. #wealldeservebetter

SPRING PREP FOR RETAIL BUSINESS  As spring comes into full effect and we approach the summer, it's the perfect opportunity for #retailers to assess their #commercialrealestate property for winter damage and prepare for safety and comfort in the months ahead. Rising temperatures lead to increased wet weather and a reactive change in consumer demand, prompting retailers to ensure their business is ready for what this new season brings. ServiceMaster Restore is here to provide that added assurance to keep business running as usual. https://lnkd.in/dTUZPe9N

Interesting read on the challenges facing the Hospitality sector ahead of the general election. The impact of soaring utility costs due to global events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict is hitting businesses hard. Inflation has forced businesses to tighten budgets, hindering profitability and investment back into operations. The sector needs attention to safeguard livelihoods. #Hospitality #BusinessChallenges #EconomicImpact

It's so interesting hearing more and more media outlets covering stories on our high streets. If you have time, do have a listen via the You and Yours link below where ✨Diane Wehrle SFIPM shares her data insights. If you don't have time, consider this stat (taken from Diane's post) "💡 there is now a greater loyalty amongst consumers towards local towns (in the smallest towns the average number of customers per month was +2% higher in 2023 than in 2019 , but -4.9% lower in larger towns); AND seven of the ten UK towns with the largest rise in sales between 2019 and 2023 were the smallest size of town - at 1.40 mins" Does this trend fit the town that you live in? #highstreetsuk #retail #independents

I was really pleased to be invited on to the @BBCRadio4 #youandyours programme today, speaking with @wrobinson101 about the increase in spending in local towns since the pandemic as a consequence of #hybridworking and other shifts in #consumerbehaviour. I was on air for the entire programme which enabled me to comment on a range of issues, supported by insightful #data from Beauclair Ltd on #spending in UK #highstreets: 💡 there is now a greater loyalty amongst consumers towards local towns (in the smallest towns the average number of customers per month was +2% higher in 2023 than in 2019 , but -4.9% lower in larger towns); AND seven of the ten UK towns with the largest rise in #sales between 2019 and 2023 were the smallest size of town - at 1.40 mins 💡 getting the blend of use right in a town is critical for its success (towns with an offer comprising all of the key sectors record better #sales than those which have a more focused offer) - at 22 mins 💡 online shopping has NOT replaced physical stores with 75% of all retail sales still in-store, AND it seems to have plateaued at this level - at 34 mins You can listen to the programme here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eF35wHde Watch out for my #insights using Beauclair Ltd #data, demonstrating the growth in the importance amongst consumers of shopping locally. If you would like to discuss how Beauclair Ltd can support the growth of your #town or #city get in touch at https://lnkd.in/e-Fz6F3y #retailintelligence #retailinsights #tri2024 Rendle Intelligence and Insights Nicola Butler Danny Simpson FIOD My publicist is Katie Blake