While discussing its financial results and future plans, Brown Thomas revealed that it estimates its Grafton Street shop missed out on €150,000 in sales as a result of the national day of local protests against water charges on November 1st.
The luxury retailer reports that sales increased at its BT2 outlet in Dundrum Town Centre while protests took place closer to the city.
Brown Thomas' managing director Stephen Sealey made the comments while discussing the company's future plans and financial results with the Irish Times. The next major demonstration against water charges is planned for Wednesday, December 10th outside Leinster House at 1pm.
Brown Thomas plans to hire 200 temporary staff for the Christmas period - that figure is up from 150 additional workers employed last year. The retailer will also invest €5m in revamping its flagship store on Dublin's Grafton Street.
The company's revenues rose by 2 percent to €146m in the year ending February 1st 2014 - according to accounts filed by the Carlow Investment Company while its operating profit was down by €500,000 to €5.5m.
Brown Thomas has indicated that the fall in profits was due to increased investment in its website and says it expects online sales to increase from €300,000 to €3m for 2014.
