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DECEMBER RETAIL SALES were up this weekend for the first time in five years.
Retail Excellence Ireland said that the sales increase is predicated on improved consumer confidence following Budget 2013; a period of clement weather in the run up to Christmas 2012; the scheduling of Christmas day on a Tuesday; and an increase in Northern Irish consumers shopping south of the border.
Though it predicted that yesterday was going to be the busiest trading day in the last five years, REI said that the stores weren’t as manic as expected, and could keep up with consumer demand. However, it said that it was still a productive day.
Many retailers are reporting the fact that shoplifting activity is noticeably higher this year than prior years.
Sales
Sales are being driven in many instances by pre-Christmas reductions, particularly in ladies’ departments. Department stores are marginally up and many operators have now gone into sale. “The overall feeling is that the Budget at the beginning of the month had a very temporary effect and people quickly acclimatised to that, determined that it would not spoil their Christmas,” said REI.
Menswear gifting has lifted trading activity in this sector in the past week. Overall, menswear is level on last year but the premium menswear brands appear to not be selling through.
Stores which stock wedding attire are reaping the benefits of Christmas weddings and many of the rural stores had a bumper few days just prior to the last posting day before Christmas to Australia.
Consumer electronics continue to perform well, with some operators reporting double digit growth on last year. DVD box sets have sold through, as well on-trend games and consoles. Books have struggled while music is down on last year.
“The migration of spend on-line and the entry to the market by the grocery multiples have left the specialists with less market share to enjoy,” noted REI.
Phone sales are reported to be steady, with many retailers initially concerned that they would be unable to service demand in the final weekend of Christmas.
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While I don’t usually like the crowded shops, I didn’t mind them this year. It gives me hope that consumer spending is improving: one of the signs of a recovering economy. Let’s hope we’re on the way up!
Christmas day was not scheduled for a Tuesday, it falls on a Tuesday!!
No need to buy alcohol go to your local and meet all the nice folk that are home for christmas.
Not really because of “acclimatising to the Budget”.. more because of the sales and reductions. A little bit more reasonable to get nice things.
It’s the love/hate box set that have it the boost.
No body went to Belfast !
Its nice to go to the pub at christmas,You can meet all your former class pals and see how they are doing in life.
While this is great, I’m quite surprised, everyone I no is keeping it so tight this year, not out of choice but necessity.
I was very surprised at how busy the town’s have been since early Dec, I like to think that as bad things are pple refuse to give up on Christmas and their families, despite the climate, unfortunately same said families will be in despair come Jan, I know I always am
December is always going to show an increase in retail spending..people have to spend to give their familes a Christmas.
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I have just red commented a comment I meant to be green and green on one I meant to be red. Finipops is agree with you, Finipops I do not agree with you
Red leg donkey cat hop gismo no song.
Maura,You can red tumb me,I don’t mind every one else does.
what was will be and what is will be no more… bah humbug…
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