Bargain hunt buzz as winter sales hit Cork

THE Christmas shopping frenzy is barely over but Cork shoppers are turning their efforts to bargain hunting in the winter sales.

Suburban centres like Wilton, Blackpool and Mahon Point reported an increase on last year’s trade, and the city centre was still abuzz from early yesterday morning.

At Brown Thomas in Patrick Street, the shopaholics entered in large numbers as the doors opened at 9am. Within minutes the perfumery and clothes sections were brimming with big spenders.

“These were €350 each just two days ago,” said a young woman as she held up a Prada top that still cost more than €200.

“They’re for nothing.”

The men’s clothes section was also packed.

A particularly stylish young man went straight for the Paul Smith scarves.

“I’m a collector,” he explained.

His friend was clearly getting fed up as he announced his retreat to the Long Valley pub.

“I’m all shopped out,” he bellowed from the back of the shop.

“And I’m starving.”

Next door, Debenhams began its first winter sale with a bang in the old Roches Stores shop. The British chain store had the doors open by 8am and within minutes the cash tills were jingling.

It was mostly a day for the large department stores but smaller shops did well, too. Fitzgerald’s Menswear in Patrick Street, the bastion of middle-class taste, was doing well catering to the sporty set.

In Oliver Plunkett Street, Soundstore was doing a roaring trade, particularly with LCD TVs and laptops.

Saville’s had all the excitement of a Moroccan souk as bargain hunters tore around the shop.