People seek ‘big value’ ahead of VAT hike

WITH just 13 shopping days before Christmas, there has been an unexpected rise in people buying “big value” goods as they try to dodge the 2% VAT hike due in January.

Chambers of Commerce organisations across the country have said that “larger ticket” items are selling better than normal, especially if the goods are also on sale.

“Electrical and white good items that have been discounted in the run-up to Christmas are selling better than they normally would,” said Conor Healy, chief executive of the Cork Chamber of Commerce.