Positive Christmas sales period for hospitality and retail in Laois

Laois Chamber Alliance recently launched their hospitality and retailer survey, to provide an indication of trade levels in Laois last December, in contrast to previous years.

The survey will also identify the needs of these sectors for the months ahead.

The survey found that the majority of hospitality businesses and retailers surveyed (pubs, hotels, restaurants, cafes and guesthouses) described both footfall and consumer spending for the month of December as stronger than any other December in which they were trading.

It comes as no surprise that soaring energy costs were identified as the key issue being faced, closely followed by staffing shortages and Brexit which is linked to increased costs and difficulties regarding imports. Additionally, when asked what supports they would like to see introduced for their business, the top response was “more energy supports”, closely followed by grants to improve shop fronts.

The majority of businesses surveyed have availed of the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS). As of mid-December 2022, approximately 7,000 businesses nationally had registered for the scheme and received their first payment. The Revenue portal remains open for claims, with the scheme running until at least 28 February 2023.

Speaking about the hospitality and retailer survey, CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, Caroline Hofman, said: “Overall, December was a positive month for trade in the hospitality and retail sectors. In particular, the hospitality sector has benefited from Laois’ tagline of “Meet in the Middle” for corporates. However, these strong level of sales follows a very challenging period as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and new and additional challenges as we face into 2023.

"Businesses have shown tremendous resilience, adaptability and innovation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst sales for the month of December were positive, margins are tightening and Government need to look at extending supports such as the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme to tackle rising costs. This is crucial to ensure the long-term survival of local businesses.

"The mandate of the Local Enterprise Offices has recently been expanded, bridging the gap for companies with more than 10 employees in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It is planned to further expand the range of advisory services available to all companies with up to 50 employees, including those operating in the locally traded sector, in the coming years which will be very much welcomed.

"I would encourage businesses to engage with the Local Enterprise Offices as they offer an important signposting service for supports available.”

Locally and nationally, gift voucher and gift card sales increased compared to the same period in previous years. Me2You, who are the issuers of the Laois Gift Card, described gift card spending nationally as being up 30% compared to December 2021.

Caroline Hofman added: “The Laois Gift Card is available all year round, and makes a great gift as well as being a great way to reward your staff. Supporting and shopping local is so important, and the Laois Gift Card encourages shopping local as it can be used in so many retailers and businesses across the county. Its popularity continues to increase year on year, and the Small Benefit Exemption increasing from €500 to €1,000 has also had a positive effect.”