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THERE’S BEEN A surge in people crossing the border for Christmas shopping trips this year, according to a new survey from the AA.
9,000 members were surveyed, with over a quarter saying they planned to leave the State for the purpose of Christmas shopping this year – a three-fold increase compared to 2015.
Northern Ireland was top of the list, with 12% planning a trip across the border.
5.33% said they were planning a visit elsewhere in the UK.
Clothes, alcohol, and food & groceries topped the list for those leaving the state for shopping.
The weakness of sterling is probably the key factor behind an upsurge in shoppers planning a trip to Northern Ireland or Great Britain in advance of Christmas, according to the AA’s Conor Faughnan.
“It is very likely that the currency is the key factor but it’s probably not the only one,” he said.
There is also a bit more confidence around this year. Traffic volumes are up, employment is up and people are spending more generally.
Further down the list of countries and cities respondents to the AA membership survey said they planned to visit for Christmas shipping, just over 5% said they planned to visit continental Europe and 1.03% said they would go to New York.
Poll: Will you be leaving the state for Christmas shopping?
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I blame the parents is a much overused term but… I blame the parents.
Not a bleeding hope would mine be online whenever they want. They like to be out playing like normal kids.
@John Barry: To be fair John, its great for you, your kids have a safe place to go out and play, that isnt the case for everyone, which is where tablet, xbox and playstations come into their own to reduce social isolation etc. Really the kids can not go on whenever they want as they must go to school etc but a better approach here would be to educate parents on safeguarding online for example the family link app etc for when kids are online, rather than saying they should be outside like “normal” kids.
@Sarah Lou: I totally get where you’re coming from Sarah. & Didn’t mean to sound condescending there. They do have a safe place when with their mother but not me as I live in an apartment right beside a main road. But I make sure I’m out with them for walks & play in the green around the corner. But yes you are right, a lot more education for parents is needed. I have their tablets timed for use & they can do nothing or download nothing without it coming to my phone.
Ah sure it keeps them quite
@i.Have.it.Me.: quite what?
@Philip Kennedy: Quite pedantic perhaps?
@G Row.: perhaps? If you’re not sure, don’t post.
@Philip Kennedy: I’m sure you are a pedant.
That’s why I posted.
@G Row.: if you say ‘Perhaps’ you’re uncertain.
@Philip Kennedy: No I was sure.
That means 70% cannot go online whenever they want.. Surely that is against their human rights..
have your say