Euro introduction will not delay January sales say SFA

Dublin's retailers look set to refuse a plea from the European Union to delay the beginning of the traditional January sales.

The EU had suggested that traders delay the sales or bring them forward in order to avoid confusion among shoppers because of the simultaneous switch from the pound to the Euro.

The new European currency is due to be introduced on New Year's day 2002, with shops being required to hand back Euro in change for any purchases made.

The sales are usually a period of intensive shopping in Dublin, with prices on winter stock being greatly reduced, and it is one of the busiest periods for businesses.

The Small Firms Association says that the sales are an age-old tradition linked to the New Year and it is inconceivable to suggest any other time.

They maintain that traders are aware of the difficulties that could arise from customers paying out in one currency and getting change in another and said that they are prepared for the changeover.