Stephen’s Day discount derby

As consumer conf idence hits six-year high, retailers expect a rush

NO SOONER will the scramble for Christmas shopping be over than retailers nationwide will slash their prices ahead of the biggest St Stephen’s Day sales in years.

Some outlets are closing for just 36 hours and will launch their offers long before dawn has even broken on St Stephen’s Day.

With consumer confidence at a six-year high, virtually every major retailer in the country is opening on December 26 and expecting swarms of shoppers, as early as 6am in most Next stores.

Retail Ireland director Stephen Lynam said there is cautious optimism among retailers this year, suggesting the earlier October Budget is definitely helping.

Some have estimated that as much as €500m will be spent before Christmas, and the hope is that, flush with gifts of cash – vouchers as well as money people have saved for reduced price big-ticket items such as televisions and white goods – the spending will continue after Christmas Day.

Mr Lynam said: ‘I spoke to all our members and most are expecting a better Christmas than last year. One reason is that, unlike previous years,

‘Most expecting a better Christmas than last year’

the Budget was held in October and not in December. Sales in October this year dipped so hopefully that will be out of everybody’s system and that will reflect in sales in December. The conditions are all there for growth.’

However, he said sales may not be a sign of confidence but rather – as grocery shoppers have just witnessed with the 5c vegetable war – intense competition and the need to get people through the door.

Some shops such as Clerys on Dublin’s O’Connell Street, even started their sale before Christmas – December 18 – and will offer additional discounts on St Stephen’s Day.

Arnotts starts its sale at 9am but was unable to provide further details. Clothing retailer River Island will have reductions of up to 60%.

Co. Laois furniture manufacturer Finline will offer discounts of between 30% and 70% off all orders in its sale between January 10 and 12 at its factory at Emo, Portlaoise.

However, other stores remained tight-lipped with Marks & Spencer and H&M refusing to reveal any sales details.