Retailers need clarity on whether they will be able to resume click and collect services from May 4 industry body Digital Business Ireland (DBI) has said.
The DBI said in a statement that while it is recognised that the decision to ban click and collect services on December 31 was “wholly justified” in the face of out of control spread of COVID-19, current circumstances paint a “more positive picture”.
The current circumstances of the virus, combined with systems devised by retailers for safe shopping in the run up to Christmas, make it clear that click and collect shopping can resume in a safe manner the DBI claims.
The plan for a gradual lifting of Level 5 lockdown restriction states that the government may consider a “phased return” of non-essential retail from May 4. To begin with, this would focus on outdoor businesses and click and collect services.
Lorraine Higgins, Chief Executive of DBI, said that click and collect services are a vital part of the “digital economy” in Ireland.
She said that they allow “retailers to make digital sales without the expense associated with setting up deliveries, costs that many may not be able to bear in these difficult times.”
“Simultaneously, these services provide the consumer with a safe and convenient alternative, with no delays and additional costs, often making a click-and-collect service from an Irish business more attractive than ordering online from an external competitor.”
“After four months of severe restrictions, Irish retail businesses will be in acute need of a successful reopening led by an efficient resumption of click-and-collect services.”
“However, businesses need time to prepare stocks, staff and strict safety measures to make the reopening profitable and safe.”
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