Shopping fever means an early Christmas for traders

OVER 770,000 people and 90 trains will descend on Dublin each day in the run-up to Christmas.

The seasonal shopping rush traditionally moves up a gear today, December 8, but trading is already reported to be up on last year with consumers keen to spend cash on presents and luxuries for the festive season.

Dublin city centre retailers are already seeing an increase in trade on last year for the Christmas season, with an overall increase of 7% anticipated.

In Cork, the shopping frenzy got under way earlier than in 2005, according to Cork City Challenge.

“Last year the hype didn’t get going until after the 8th but it has already started this time and this week was particularly busy,” said Liz McAvoy of the umbrella group set up by the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and the Business Association to promote the city centre.

Sunday opening and late-night shopping have reduced the impact of December 8, but the closure of many schools today will keep traders busy, she said. “We can expect the place to be packed. It probably has a more local focus now but we’d still have a big catchment from out in the county as well as Kerry, Tipp, and even into Clare and Waterford.”

The Budget, featuring tax cuts and welfare increases may also increase spending in the run-up to December 25, she said. “Reports of more money in the average shopper’s pocket probably generate a more gung-ho attitude. Once there’s increased disposable income, no matter how small, it puts a bit more confidence into the shopper.”

According to Dublin City Business Association chief executive Tom Coffey, Dublin city centre is expecting over 770,000 visits per day this Christmas.

“December 8 is an indicator for buoyancy of the market at this time of year and we are very pleased with performance so far for this season,” he said.