Online and in the shops: Bargain pricing

Aldi is entering the Communion wear market, with dresses from €24.99.

Research shows families spent in the region of €713 on their child’s Communion last year, with €163 being the average cost of a child’s outfit. Aldi’s Communion dresses are available in two designs and the range also includes Communion shrugs (€9.99), a handbag and glove set (€9.99) and two options on headdresses (€9.99). Items go on sale in Aldi on Sunday March 16; www.aldi.ie.

Fairtrade Fortnight: Fairtrade is about fair prices and decent working conditions for producers and sales of Fairtrade certified coffee, chocolate and other products increased by 15% in Ireland last year. One in four bananas sold by Lidl is certified Fairtrade Bananas and they sell 44% of the total Fairtrade bananas sold in Ireland. However, just 7.7% of bananas here are Fairtrade. In Britain, the corresponding figure is 30%, while in Switzerland, 50% of bananas are Fairtrade certified. During Fairtrade Fortnight, until March 9, consumers are encouraged to buy products with the Fairtrade mark and Lidl are offering their bananas for a discounted €1.19 a bunch; www.fairtrade.ie.