A survey carried out by the Guardian newspaper has found evidence of "euro-creep", the term used by Eurosceptics to describe fears that British industry and consumers will become gradually inured to the new currency.
All British companies questioned with stores in Northern Ireland said they would accept the euro. The survey revealed that nearly one in three leading British retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Virgin and British Home Stores, have made provision to accept the euro from January 1st, despite having no legal obligation to do so.
The Belfast Chamber of Trade expects euro-friendly retailers will be the exception, while a survey by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce found nearly a third of its members had not made any preparations for the currency.