Retailers across the country are describing this year's January sales figures as the highest in 30 years, writes Kitty Holland
Car parks in Dublin city centre were full by 10am yesterday, on a day many retailers described as "quiet compared to the last few days", while gardaí were stopping cars accessing streets between the quays and the Jervis Centre in an effort to calm volumes.
Arnotts, which had 62,000 shoppers cross its threshold on the first day of its sale on December 27th, is describing this year's sales figures as "phenomenal". Duty manager Elizabeth Lee said the shop was "absolutely delighted" with sales.
"We weren't expecting the volumes. It was the busiest first day of the sales we can remember. It has been absolutely exceptional," she said. "People are making big purchases, going for luxury items for the home." She said flat-screen televisions were selling well, as were linens, duvets and furniture.
"The bed department is exceptionally busy and there are great reductions on couches." She cited a two-seater leather couch reduced from €1,590 to €790, and a three-seater reduced from €1,790 to €890.
The store was so busy, she said, that management was issuing in-store lunch-vouchers to staff, "so they don't take so long going for lunch [by leaving the premises]".
On Grafton Street, Maura Leavy, manager of the Pamela Scott lady's fashion store, said the sales have been "terrific".
"In my 30 years in the business, both the pre-Christmas and the first week of the sales, I have never seen anything like the spending. It is phenomenal."
People were particularly buying knitwear, coats and ball-gowns, with 70 per cent reductions giving such savings as a ball-gown reduced from €460 to €138.
"We are clearing the sale stock so fast that the new collections are already out on the shop floor," she said. About 90 per cent of purchases, she added, were on credit card.
Kieran Larkin, manager of Shaw's department store in Fermoy, Co Cork, said there was "a great buzz" across the chain's 14 branches. "The big areas of interest are mostly in fashions and menswear, and a lot in soft furnishings." Most purchases were cash transactions, he said. "But then people seem to have no problem getting their hands on cash these days."
Among those seeking the ultimate bargains were those queuing outside Budget Travel in Dublin, hoping for free holidays when the store opens its doors tomorrow morning. Sinéad Redean, from Fatima Mansions in Dublin, is one of 20 people who have been queuing outside the Baggot Street branch since 6pm on Christmas day.
"I am hoping to get a holiday in Turkey for 10 people," she told The Irish Times.
Wrapped up in heavy trousers, strong boots and a big, cream-coloured fur coat, she said the nights had been "very cold".
A number of local cafés had been "wonderful", providing "free tea, soup, pizza and sandwiches.
"Oh of course it's worth it.
"Last year I got Florida - a free holiday in Florida for myself, my husband and four children."