CONSUMERS are planning to beat the recession blues with a Christmas spending splurge that would see them pour €1.5 billion into festive gifts, food and entertainment.

Irish consumers will spend on average 22% less this Christmas, according to the annual Deloitte consumer survey of Christmas spending.

IRISH shoppers will spend twice as much as their European counterparts on presents, food and socialising this Christmas despite the recession.

COVER your children’s ears and tell them to leave the room: the worst recession news yet is about to arrive.

Wal-Mart Stores has remained the world's largest retailer, according to a new survey.