Regardless of the overall image being portrayed nationally, consumer confidence is still a crucial factor for the survival of local business owners, who have reported an increase in Christmas business on 2014, albeit marginally.
While recent figures released by the retail industry body, Retail Excellence Ireland, reported a positive image nationally for Christmas trading, when examined at local level, there are a number of issues which are still a major concern to business owners as Westmeath Topic discovered when we spoke with a number of retailers earlier this week.
BEAUTY/PHARMACY
In its last report for 2015, published at the end of December, Retail Excellence Ireland reported that most beauty and pharmacy retailers experienced a continuation of good trading, with many reporting strong value gains as consumers opt for premium cosmetics and fragrances.
Whelehans Pharmacy on Pearse Street was no exception, with its owner, Eamonn Brady putting the increase in business down to consumer confidence and an increase in disposable income. “In comparison to 2015, business is up between six and eight percent. People seem a lot more confident than in previous years and prepared to spend that little bit extra.”
Looking to the future, Eamonn was optimistic, but highlighted the need for local businesses to combat online trading as much as possible. “I don’t think High Street trading is ever going to hit Celtic Tiger levels. There are a lot more savvy consumers out there, who wouldn’t think twice about buying a product online if they could save a few euro. It’s up to individual retailers themselves to combat this and offer that little bit extra and keep people shopping locally.”
MENSWEAR
Nationally, the menswear sector experienced a sustained period of strong performance over Christmas week, with growth rates of between 2 and 5% being reported. Darragh Caffrey of Wilfs Menswear on Castle Street spoke of the positive effects he’s seen of shopping locally, and how the variety of retail outlets has kept people shopping in Mullingar, rather than shopping in other towns and cities.
“Overall we had a good 2015 with a stronger Christmas than 2014. I wouldn’t say it’s true to say that there is more money in people’s pockets, but there’s definitely a lot more confidence out there. There’s a great selection of shops in Mullingar which keeps people shopping in the town, which is always helpful.”
Darragh says he notices a trend in men’s fashion choices, and how young men are putting time and thought into buying clothes. “Thanks to the likes of Conor McGregor, young men are a lot more style-conscious. They’re putting a lot more thought into what they wear, not just on a night out, but during the day and at work as well.”
CONSUMER
ELECTRONICS
Consumer electronics retailers reported a reasonable last few days at Christmas, with a similar view locally.
Ken Glynn, manager at Expert, Mullingar, said the company had experienced a very positive Christmas period, with sales up on last year.
“While we don’t have exact figures yet, it’s definitely up on last year and that is a great boost. We noticed an increase in footfall and the Chamber vouchers (produced by Mullingar Chamber) went down very well. It’s an indication that people are shopping locally and supporting local businesses, which is great to see,” he said.
The wet weather may have affected the number of people out in the town in the early days of the Christmas period, but Ken said things picked up really well.
“It was a very positive period for us and for Mullingar in general. It’s a welcome boost as we look forward to the new year,” he added.
GIFTWARE
Trading in the home and giftware sector remained mixed across the country over the last week of December. At Shaw’s in Mullingar town centre, Nicky Shaw added to the mixed reports. “In terms of Christmas trade, there were strong sales in giftware, but it really only took off in the last week or two before Christmas.”
A chief concern for Nicky was the lack of parking for customers in the town centre. “It’s easy to say there’s free parking, but it’s the location of the car parks which is a concern. If you’re selling goods which are difficult to carry, customers don’t want to walk very far, which acts as a deterrent to come into town to shop.”
JEWELLERY
A landmark family-run business in the heart of Mullingar for almost a century, Walsh Jewellers said that while jewellery sales fluctuated, between 2 and 8% nationwide, at Walsh Jewellers it’s a case of ‘steady as she goes’. “In comparison to last year, Christmas trade was very similar,” said Geraldine Walsh. “It’s not getting any worse, but it’s not getting any better either. While many surveys and reports were published during and after the busy shopping period, we feel these are reflective on Dublin and not on the country as a whole.” Looking forward t0 2016, Geraldine says keeping level is as good as anything. “So long as the economy doesn’t take a dip for the worse, we’ll be doing okay and keep serving the people of Mullingar.”
CAFÉ/RESTAURANT
While spend and margin performance reports across the café and restaurant food sector were reported to be mixed, at the Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar, the hotel’s general manager, John Cochrane was beaming with positivity when asked about Christmas trade. “Without doubt, for us, business is up on last year, at approximately ten percent. People seem to have a little bit more money in their pockets and are prepared to stop in for a tea or coffee.” Looking forward to the coming year, John is confident about what is in store. “Across the board bookings are up on last year, so it’s looking good.”
