Thousands of people formed socially distanced queues from early morning to shop in businesses across the country that reopened on Monday as part of the first phase of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
Hardware stores, farmers' markets, garden centres, electrical stores and opticians were among those resuming trade.
The Government said that homeware stores, originally listed in phase one of the roadmap, may not reopen.
However, hardware stores that sell some homeware can reopen.
At Blanchardstown shopping centre in Dublin, hundreds of people queued from 8am to go into hardware store Woodie's DIY and electrical store DID electrical.
Security personnel manned the queues, while staff wore gloves and protective shields.
Stores operated a one-way system for entering and exiting, while shoppers were told to use hand sanitiser before going in.
Woodie's has spent more than half a million euro on Covid-19 safety measures in preparation for their reopening.
Some of these safety measures include sanitation stations at the front of every store, where all customers must sanitise their hands before entering, even if already wearing gloves.
Stores have perspex screens on all checkouts, while staff wear face shields, masks and t-shirts reminding everyone to stay two metres apart.
Declan Ronayne, chief executive of Woodie's, said stores have gradually been restocked over the last two months as the supply chain has steadily increased.
"It feels like the right time to reopen and we are delighted to do so.
"Having spent much of the lockdown further enhancing our social distancing and hygiene measures, we are pleased to reopen our stores and to do so with confidence for the safety of our customers and colleagues.
"It has been a difficult period for everyone and we believe DIY and gardening has an important role to play in the mental health of most of us who remain largely confined to our homes and gardens.
"Our stocks are more than sufficient to meet ongoing demand so there is no reason to rush to your local store or to bulk buy.
"In that way we can ensure the safest possible DIY shopping environment for everyone."
Car showrooms reopened with social distancing measures in place, as did motor and bicycle repair shops.
Brian Cooke, director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) said the size of dealerships relative to footfall lends itself to social distancing.
"Sanitisation and other measures have been put in place for both premises and vehicles, and should give customers reassurance.
"Increased opening will allow members to contribute to their local economies in terms of business activity and supporting employment."
Meanwhile, Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) called for additional government assistance for retailers, including a commercial rent grant equivalent to 60% of the rent payable during the period of emergency, a 12-month local authority rates waiver, and 0% loans for all affected business.
Chief executive of REI, David Fitzsimons, said Monday marks the first steps on the road to recovery.
"Irish retailers are ingenious and resourceful and have invested great effort in planning for today to ensure they open safely for their customers and colleagues.
"As consumers come out of hibernation to purchase non-essential items, we remind everyone of the importance of our local independent stores. Please use them as we don't want to lose them."
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