Irish retailers gear up as bargain hunters flock to stores for the first mega sales event since Christmas in 3 years

IRISH retailers gear up as bargain hunters flock to the first mega sale event in three years.

After sales have been severely restricted since 2019, as various Covid variants have led to reduced frequency in the shops.

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But Duncan Graham, MD of Retail Excellence Ireland, says stores are anticipating a surge in activity as prices on clothing, electronics and furniture are slashed.

He added: “I think it’s going to be a good sales week. It’s really the first time in three years since we had Omicron last year and it affected almost every family.

“So I think it will be a lot easier this year.

“Sales are likely to be good throughout the week. There is a good range of products as there have been no supply issues and good value for money in stores.”

Mr Graham said it was clear many people had missed their dose of retail therapy and would be happy to get back out.

He added, “I think this year will be a more traditional selling period than we’ve seen lately.”

There will be plenty of bargains to be found, with Brown Thomas and Arnotts saving up to 50 per cent off the price of designer goods, while electronics are also heavily discounted.

And shoppers picked up on the sustainability trend this year.

Mr Graham said: “Visitor numbers are back but people are shopping on a budget.

“They’re kind to their wallets – and kind to the planet. We see a lot of people buying green products.

“They buy more sustainably and buy something more expensive that will last.

“It was a real trend this year. The cold weather affected trade in the run up to Christmas but last week has been a busy week for retailers.”

For those not brave enough to face the crowds, there are tons of discounts online.

Retail giants M&S and Next all launched their popular online sales today.

Meanwhile, delighted parents across the island of Ireland today received the best Christmas present ever – a new baby.

Stacy Jordan and Curtis Moore welcomed a baby girl to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast at 1:43am.

Stacy Rooney, from Lisburn, also gave birth at 3:04am this morning at the hospital in Belfast.

The little tot is rocked by caring midwife Grainne Holland.

And all good things come in threes – the Northern Ireland hospital also welcomed a baby boy this morning.

Little Gerald Og Clarke was born today at 3:58am.

He weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was held in the arms of Ann Doherty.

And the first baby on Christmas Day to be born in the maternity ward at Ulster Hospital was born at 00:29 this morning.