By appointment only for thrifty spouses

FORGET THE exchequer figures and the banking crisis. Perhaps the clearest indicator of a change in Irish economic conditions can be found at charity bridal shops, where business - according to budget traders - is booming.

In fact, trade is so brisk at Oxfam's bridal shop on George's Street in Dublin it is a case of appointment-only for recessionary brides.

If you really want to push the boat out, you could spend €500 on a dress but you could also pick one up for €80 - cheaper than the standards bridesmaid's bouquet.

Contrary to perception, the vast majority of dresses are new, donated by bridal shops, and Oxfam is appealing for more donations to keep up with demand.

"We have definitely seen an increase in bridal business," said Maeve McNamara, Oxfam district retail manager. "It can be hard to get an appointment sometimes."

She said staff had noticed an increase in non-Irish customers who wanted a traditional wedding but did not want to spend €3,000 on a dress. The increase in people getting married abroad had also led to the boost in business, as brides were looking for simpler styles that were easy to transport.

"We are finding that people are more savvy, much more prudent and cost-sensitive now," she said.

After a summer dip, Oxfam has also noticed an increase in sales at its furniture shops in Dublin and Belfast. Sales of books are also booming.

However, bridal wear, books and furniture are the exception as charity shops - along with mainstream retailers - feel the pinch of the recession, according to Irish Charity Shop Association.

Its chairman, and Oxfam retail manager, Trevor Anderson said it was a myth that charity shops were recession-proof.

"There are certainly a lot less shoppers about, particularly in the past six weeks, and we have experienced a slowdown in donations coming in to our shops as well," he said.

However, the charity shop is now looking forward to the "Posh" effect following last week's declaration from Victoria Beckham that she shops in Oxfam.

If celebrity-watchers follow her lead as quickly as they follow her hairstyles, then Oxfam stores will have to brace themselves for the rush, according to Oxfam Ireland spokesman Paul Dunphy.