The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Marisa Reidy found shoppers with a mixed view of this year’s sales
THE turkey was hardly digested and the shoppers were back with bang on the streets of Tralee, hoping to grab a bargain in the post Christmas sales.
With most shops offering great discounts and promising not-to-be-missed deals, expectations were high among the shoppers we spoke to at Manor West on Friday morning.
And while some were very happy with their bargain buys, others felt a little disappointed with the value and variety on offer.
Linda Linnane and her daughter Rachel from Shannon were doing a bit of salesearching while visiting relations, the McKenna's in Kilmoyley, but weren't overly impressed with what they found.
“The sales aren't as good as I thought. I suppose I thought there would be more variety and more value for money,” Linda said. “I’ve been here to Manor loads of times and really love it but I just thought I’d get a lot more bargains this time of year.”
Bryan Carr from Ballyseedy was also hitting the shops with his son, Cathal, and said he was slightly surprised with how quiet things were. However, he said those who were out were certainly availing of the bargains.
“I found it a lot quieter than previous years and I also noticed that some places put out old stock for the sales, so personally I didn't pick up any real bargains,” he said. “Saying that though, those who are here are buying and there are some good deals to be had around the place.”
Sinead Lenihan travelled form Annascaul to check out the sales on Friday and admitted she too was a little disappointed.
“I was expecting a lot more choice but I think a lot of what is on sale was on sale before Chrostmas anyway so it was a little disappointing,” she said. “I didn't come in for anything in particular, just a browse around and get some bargains, but nothing yet.”
Two happy campers, however, were Maureen O’Sullivan from Listowel and her 10year-old son Jake, who were very happy with the bargains they picked up on Friday.
“Jake needed new runners and we decided to wait and come in for the sales and we ended up getting them half price so that was great,” Maureen said. “I think there is good value to be got in certain shops and there seems to be a great selection to choose from. I thought it might be busier, but the value for money is certainly there.”
Equally impressed was Maria O’Sullivan from Newcastle West, who was in Kerry visiting relations in Ardfert.
“There are very good deals around. I waited until after Christmas to go shopping and there is a lot of variety here,” she said.
Lisa O’Rourke from Abbeydorney - who was on the look out for a few last minute presents for visiting relations - didn’t agree.
“It’s disappointing. I came in hoping to get a few bargains but the sales don't seem to be as good as I thought.
“There seemed to be a lot more discounts in previous years but this year there definitely isn't as much off a lot of items.”