AFTER weeks of uncertainty, Limerick shoppers opened their purse strings in the days leading up to Christmas, much to the delight of retailers.
And all indicators are that the New Year sales, which commence this Saturday, will again see shop tills clicking a merry tune.
There will, in the words of one city centre shop owner, be massive bargains on offer as the year draws to a close.
Though the threat of heavy redundancies at the Dell plant in Raheen cast a shadow over the entire Mid-West region, the Christmas spirit was still very much prevalent with thousands of people thronging the city centre streets and suburban shopping centres.
Denis O’Connell, who recently opened the Apple Computer Store in O’Connell Street, said he was pleasantly surprised at the volume of people in buying mood.
“There was no talk of recession with those who entered the store…and customers seem to be buying luxury items as they went around in search of best prices”.
“We have no worries about what the New Year will bring”, enthused a spokesperson for Guineys in William Street.
It was an absolutely fantastic Christmas-and our sales promise even better to come. We ill be selling double duvets from six euro on December 27. Sale madness has been very much in vogue”.
Liam Dwan, at Brown Thomas, told the Post they were very pleased with pre-Christmas trading, with a lot of money in circulation.
“Like every other year, shops will be a little apprehensive about trading in the months of January and February, but again, we will wait and see”.
Remix, in the Williamscourt Mall, admitted to a good seasonal trade, but expect that the sales will continue until well into January.
“We will be having good discounts in menswear in particular”, added their spokesperson.
The Alpine Shop experienced a very busy pre-Christmas but this was not surprising, said their spokesperson, pointing out that winter holidays would have been booked way in advance, with ski-clothing bought in the lead up to departure dates.
Tony Connolly’s Menswear also had a good build up to Christmas, with menfolk treating themselves to the latest in fashions, and partners and friends buying presents of clothing for them.
Soundstore, on the Ballysimon Road, was a hive of activity when the Limerick Post called, and despite predictions by economists, were optimistic of a good 2009.By Aidan Corr
