Cost of living worse for retail than online shopping

Søstrene Grene owners still looking for room to grow

Heather and Niall Lawlor, who own the Republic of Ireland franchise for Søstrene Picture: Fergal Phillips

The impact of residential rents on consumers’ disposable incomes is a greater threat to the retail sector than online shopping, according to an entrepreneur who employs 70 staff in the sector.

Niall Lawlor, who along with his wife, Heather, holds the Republic of Ireland franchise for the Danish lifestyle retailer Søstrene Grene, said that while the impact of internet shopping garnered most of the headlines, increased living costs were having a more direct ...