Retailers hoping for Stephen’s Day bonanza

RETAILERS are expecting bargain hunters to flock to the shops this St Stephen’s Day with even more stores planning to break with tradition and open their doors.

This is in response to what has been described as the worst December in recent history for retailers, with sales down almost 7% on last year. The icy weather has seen shoppers stay local and away from city centres and shopping parks.

Retailers said more people are looking for discounts and fewer are buying for themselves. However, they expect that come St Stephen’s Day they will take advantage of the sales in stores, such as Debenhams and Brown Thomas, which have decided to open. Some branches of Penneys will also open and Tesco have decided to open 17 of their larger stores and 40 Express stores from 10am on St Stephen’s Day. In Dublin Clerys and Arnotts will also open.