Cork Business Association says this has been the most difficult trading period for businesses and they are now heavily relying on the Christmas trade.
From Tuesday non essential retail shops are back open for business allowing people who have been filling virtual shopping baskets online to begin their Christmas shopping in person.
Many Cork businesses launched an online arm to their business in an effort to reach their customers during the Covid pandemic and they can be found by clicking on corkcityshopping.com
Speaking to RedFM News CBA President Eoin O'Sullivan says it's vital that people support local traders this Christmas
"There has been a great show of solidarity between the customers and the businesses in the city and it's these small businesses make Cork the city that it is and and it gives us that charm. So I think people want to continue to support any businesses in any way they can. And I would encourage any customers that can't go to their favourite hotel or restaurant this year to buy a voucher. And maybe go there when it is safe to do so."
