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BLACK FRIDAY IS only just behind us, and Minister Denis Naughten is urging online retailers to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Cyber Monday.
While Black Friday has now become an annual event featuring sales in shops across the country, Cyber Monday is its online equivalent. Online retailers – big and small – attempt to attract business on the day.
Research from Core Media suggests that today is set to the busiest ever for online shopping in Ireland, with spending expected to be around €53 million.
The Minister for Communications wants Irish businesses to seize the opportunity for international sales this Cyber Monday.
Naughten said: “Around the world, people are getting ready for Christmas by getting online. Irish companies offer world-class products and services, found nowhere else.
“Cyber Monday is the perfect day for them to capture the interest of new customers around the world, and I encourage all our small businesses to take full advantage of this.”
He added that the government’s recent budget provision for the ‘Trading Online Voucher Scheme’ can see businesses avail of grants of up to €2,500 to help them sell products online.
He added that Cyber Monday is a “significant opportunity” for Irish companies with an online presence to “expand their market and create more jobs”.
Core Media’s research suggests that one in eight adults will purchase something online today, while internet traffic is expected to surge 20%.
According to their research, consumers are becoming “more familiar” with the concept, and this is leading to a surge in interest on the day.
While Black Friday is associated with a surge of consumer spending, retailers in Ireland have been shown not to benefit hugely from the sales phenomenon.
Commenting on last year’s sales, the head of Retail Excellence Ireland, Lynn Drumgoole, said: “Black Friday led to a quieter October as consumers postpone spending, and a weaker post Christmas sales period.”
So, what are you thoughts? Will you be buying online this Cyber Monday?
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I was at it and it was spectacular
Amazing how everyone shuts up about hating Bono and about tax affairs whenever there’s tickets to be had for anU2 gig in Croker…
@Tom Tom: they only went to shout at him for a few hours and get it off their chests.
By many accounts seemed to have been a somewhat tired performance compared to previous.
@Toon Army:
Depends who you ask. For many it was their best performance on home turf in a long time
@Toon Army:
Obviously you weren’t there. It was a great gig
@Toon Army:
I’ve seen them 13 times live and this was indeed their weakest performance that I’ve seen. Bono was off his game and it was a stark contrast to their recent performances in the Point where they were simply incredible. Still Saturday was a great show and the crowd loved it.
@Nick Allen: of the 4 people I have spoken to about it, 3 say bad and 1 says good. (I’m on the bad side)
The journal should do a poll on it !
@Cicero: It was average at best. Felt they were just going through the motions
Was at it and thought it was a poor concert compared to previous U2 concerts…..especially the one in the 3 arena. With 20mins to go there was a steady stream of people leaving which speaks volumes. Agree with a previous poster that it was a tired performance from Bono
Pity the other 3 never address the fans….
@Ken Pepper: I’m struggling to think of any band where anyone but the lead singer/frontman addresses the croud.
There are plenty where they do solos but almost never actually speak to the croud.
I was there, it was a brilliant gig.
Homecoming gig? We’re U2 living permanently abroad?
I was there and can confirm lots of people leaving early.
I was one of them, the sound so poor at Lower Cusack where I was that I couldn’t even make out what Bono was saying between songs let alone when he was singing.
Ironically his voice was at its best in the toilets behind my seating area.
Won’t go to Croke park unless I have pitch tickets where I believe it was OK.
Can’t believe he STILL hasn’t found what he’s looking for.. Maybe it’s behind him.
That was the worst attempt at a heart I’ve ever seen. Looked like a box
have your say