Retail Ireland April Monitor

Consumer sentiment fell to a nine-month low in March, the sharpest monthly decline since September 2022. This reflects growing unease amid heightened geopolitical tensions and fears of new international trade disputes. While the impact of new trade barriers will directly impact a significant number of companies, it has also increased the chance of global recession and raised concerns about employment in certain sectors. The ongoing economic uncertainty, which shows no signs of abating, is likely to have a knock-on impact on spending in wider domestic economy as we move through the year.