NEWRY HAS been a virtual dual currency zone since sterling and the old Irish pound went their separate ways more than 25 years ago.
But retailers are even happier these days to accept the rising euro - to the point where parity between the two currencies is being offered by a handful of stores.
Vision Express is offering a pound sterling for a euro, as are Jack Jones, Diamond and A-wear.
For southern shoppers in other stores, a 94p euro is hardly a turn-off - not with VAT at 15 per cent. The rate this time last year was 72p - the lowest rate was a meagre 57p in 2000.
Late opening hours, usually to 11pm at the Quays shopping centre, and the latest motorway extension bringing Newry and Dublin little more than an hour apart, all add to the appeal.
One manager at the Quays told The Irish Times yesterday that this was not just a Christmas rush. Shops at the retail park are open to 10pm year-round and Newry's shopping credentials held true whatever the season.
For all that, some outlets have to work hard to keep the shelves stocked after bulk-buying shoppers have cleared the stores.
Groceries, alcohol and toiletries, especially baby products, are in particular demand.
The Quays, like the Buttercrane centre just across the road and the retail park at the Fiveways Roundabout just off the Newry bypass, are cashing in.
One shoppers' blog confirms the appeal of the trip North for many southern shoppers.
One blogger at askaboutmoney. com says: "As a slap in the face to our recent budget and the rise in VAT, I'm going to go up the North to do a heap of shopping in a few weeks. Call it a protest. Thanks - and screw you FF."
So much for Brian Lenihan's call to patriotic duty.
However, Newry's good-luck story is not universal. While the shopping centres cope with the warehouse-emptying crowds, the city's independent retailers are having a quieter time of it.
Monaghan Street and Hill Street are strangely quiet these days, with traders complaining that media hype about booming shopping centres has scared off the local trade.