City retailers enjoy boost in sales over Christmas
A change in consumer habits over the busiest commercial period of the year has resulted in very strong November trade this year according to the industry.
With Black Friday now turning into Black Week, and an avalanche of sales taking place in all manner of retail outlets at the end of November, shoppers are getting in earlier to score a bargain for their Christmas shopping.
As a result, the period right up to Christmas was not quite as frenzied as other years with a more relaxed atmosphere noted among traders as visitors and locals alike enjoyed the festive atmosphere beneath a canopy of lights.
Galway City Business Association chairman Cormac McGuckian said traders had reported an increased football throughout November and early December.
“It certainly started earlier this year and it was a more buoyant November with traders benefiting from the fact there were no disruptions from storms,” he reflected.
“While there was a better footfall, I understand turnover wasn’t amazing. But the whole Black Friday thing is positive, it’s bringing the crowds in, it’s getting everyone into the Christmas spend earlier.”
The association is conducting a survey among retailers in the new year to collate their views. While the Christmas Continental Market this year was much smaller in size, it still proved a major draw for the public.
“Without being critical, the Galway City Business Association would want to see a bit more variety in it. We will be putting in a submission next year with a different concept and policy. But overall the value of it is it brings in people to the city to experience Christmas cheer and that’s always a positive thing.”
Anthony Ryans Department Store in the city centre found that trade was up for the first time in a number of years.
Owner Anthony Ryan said menswear and homewares were both particularly strong in both November and December.
“Black Friday is changing consumer habits, it’s definitely taking from December, it means traders have to discount earlier but overall I think last year it made 0.01% difference in turnover.
“We’re now in our third day of the sale and it’s very strong although it’s not directly comparable to last year as the second day was on a Sunday but so far we’re certainly very pleased,” he remarked.
“The weather has been very kind to us this year and that makes a big difference. There is a lot of gifting, people are spending money and spending it earlier than ever. The med tech sector is really doing well and is putting a lot of money into the local economy.”
For 2017 all eyes will be on politics both at home and abroad, which will have a direct effect on consumer spend.
“There is a lot of uncertainty out there in terms of Brexit, the US election and even our own Government. But I’d be cautiously optimistic although there are a lot of banana skins. If there is a hard Brexit and borders return it would be worse for the country as a whole,” Mr Ryan added.