THE lure of the sales brought crowds of shoppers back into stores around Limerick.
The big chill had kept many shoppers out of the city over the Christmas with the fear of unsafe footpaths and icy roads.
Retailers saw shoppers back in force for the first full day of the sales, following limited store openings on Sunday.
Some shops had discounts as high as 70pc and early shoppers were benefiting from the many bargains.
It is unlikely retailers will recoup the losses sustained during the bad weather, but the large crowds will go some way to ease the stress on retailers.
Speaking to one national newspaper David Fitzsimons, chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland, said he expects the year will be down about 6.7pc compared to last year although, he expects retailers will see a boost in sales come January.
