'Buzzing' Cork welcomes back Christmas shoppers and festive cheer

Pyjamas, decorations and presents topped the list for many shoppers, with spend expected to hit €4.8bn this month. 

First in the door at Guineys on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, were Ann and Michael Mulcahy who were rewarded with a Christmas Santa. Picture: Dan Linehan

Bags swung jauntily in lightly clenched fists as happy shoppers, most wearing masks, took to the streets to welcome non-essential retailers back into business.

Fluffy pyjamas, decorations and Christmas presents topped the list for most as the December spend, which Retail Ireland expects to match last year at €4.8bn, kicked off. For many retailers, it will be essential to stave off collapse after an enormously difficult year.