An Ennis businesswoman admits there’s a ‘sense of worry’ among local firms as one of the busiest times of the trading year approaches.
Businesses in the county are encouraging people to shop local as orders begin for Christmas.
It’s estimated some businsses in Clare can do around 30 to 40 percent of their annual trade between now and the end of December.
It’s the third year of rocky economic conditions for enterprises, who’ve just emerged from the pandemic and are now grappling with rising energy costs and inflationary pressures.
Danielle Kenneally from Wix and Wax, which is based in Hermitage in Ennis, says there are a lot of unknowns for businesses to deal with ahead of the festive period.
A North Clare employer says businesses are managing a ‘balancing act’ between dealing with rising costs and keeping prices as low as possible to attract customers.
Sadie Chowen of the Burren Perfumery in Carron, which is 50 years in business, is hopeful the next number of months will be busy.
You can listen back to the full interview with Danielle Keneally & Sadie Chowen below
A Clare small businesses representative meanwhile says increasing commerical rates next year would be to the detriment of local businesses.
It comes amid fears that rates in Clare could be increased by 2.5 percent next year, having risen by 3.8 percent in 2022.
Local representatives will gather on November 25th to vote on the Budget and on suggestions to raise the tax.
Siobhan Ni Ghairbith of St. Tola’s Goat and Cheese farm in Ennistymon, and a member of ISME’s National Council, says any rise at a time when bills are soaring could cripple businesses.
You can listen back to the full interview with Siobhan Ní Ghairbith below
