Retailers hit by new restrictions call for the return of click-and-collect

Leading figures in retail and construction say they understand the need for the latest lockdown, but fear the cost will be substantial

Karl Swaine, Niall Horgan and Diarmuid McSweeney, co-founders of Gym + Coffee: the company invested in systems for click and collect but cannot use them now. Picture: Fergal Phillips

When Eddie Shanahan walked around Dublin’s high streets in December, he was proud to say he worked in retail. A consultant for Irish stores and brands, he saw businesses that had taken extensive measures to create a safe environment.

Earlier this month, the sector was closed due to the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases. Shanahan is clear about one thing: the retail sector understands that record levels of cases necessitate closures, but that doesn’t change ...