Queues are expected at many stores today when non-essential retail opens for the first time in over four months. Retail Excellence, the representative body for the industry, says today will be a landmark day for the 280,000 sector employees around the country.
In a statement, it said the vaccination roll-out means businesses can now plan for the weeks and months ahead. The organisation is also asking customers to be patient as social distancing rules will still apply.
Some big retail chains like Penneys are expected to offer late opening hours, while Dundrum Town Centre will have an online crowd counter so that shoppers can find out in advance if it is too crowded.