The organisation representing 2,000 retailers here has said it is "deeply shocked and disappointed" at the Government's decision not to allow click and collect services to reopen next week.
Retail Excellence said the move to now allow such services until May would have a "profoundly negative" effect on the retail industry.
"Click and collect is a lifeline for businesses, especially small independent traders, and this move will now seriously threaten the viability of hundreds of retailers around the country who were desperate for assistance and a definitive timeline from the Government," said Duncan Graham, managing director of the body.
"We are gravely concerned about the ramifications of a decision that is not proportionate to the threat we are facing from the virus, given click and collect is safe, is largely confined to local shopping, and will not lead to added movement of people especially considering travel limits are being eased."
Mr Graham added that the decision would cause widespread anger among the 300,000 people employed in the sector, as click and collect is the first step back on the road to normal trading.
Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, also expressed disappointment and frustration.
The group said click and collect provides a safe means of providing customers with the products they need.
Arnold Dillon, Retail Ireland Director said click and collect would provide a crucial additional sales channel for those retailers currently closed.
"It is particularly important for smaller businesses where delivery costs are prohibitive.
"These businesses have been the hardest hit by Covid restrictions and are the least equipped to compete with online platforms.
"The delayed reopening of the wider retail sector has compounded the serious difficulties many retailers are facing," he said.
Mr Dillon said a significant number will not survive the crisis without additional Government support.
"Retail restrictions in the Republic are now diverging from those in Northern Ireland, which has the potential to incentivise cross-border shopping.
"We need to work towards an all-island approach," he added.
'Positive to see some progress' - Ibec
Ibec also called for greater certainty and as much advance notice as possible for businesses ahead of their reopening, so they can activate supply chains and put measures in place.
"It is positive to see some progress in reopening our economy and in particular the recommencement of more construction activity," said Danny McCoy, CEO of the body.
"The inclusion of widespread antigen testing as part of the toolkit to tackle who is infectious as opposed to just determining who has been infected is a positive development for Irish business and society."
The group also wants Government to keep the measures under review and allow further adjustments to restrictions if the health situation allows.
